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Combined Studies courses

Our combined studies courses are perfect if you want to tailor a qualification that’s unique to you. From art to mathematics, business to science, our open qualifications are designed to satisfy even the most diverse tastes. Choose from our degree, diploma and certificate courses to create a qualification that is built to suit you.

Student working with building blocks

Combined StudiesDegree 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


Combined StudiesDiploma 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


Combined StudiesCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Combined Studies with The Open University?

Our combined studies courses provide a unique opportunity for you to study a range of different subjects, creating a combination specific to you and your study goals. The skills you gain can help you understand the connections between different subjects, and how to apply that knowledge across subject boundaries.

The benefits of studying a combined studies course with us are:

  • You can design a personalised qualification to suit your needs.
  • You can change direction at any time to fit your career ambitions or personal interests.
  • You can count previous university study towards your qualification.
  • A combined studies qualification shows employers that you’re flexible and adaptable. Plus,
  • If you already have a degree in a STEM subject, you could get help with funding your qualification by studying our BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree.

Careers in Combined Studies

Many careers are open to graduates of all disciplines, with research showing that many employers have no preferred degree subject when recruiting. As a multidisciplinary student the varied subject knowledge gained from your chosen modules means you can consider a wide variety of different careers.

Our range of combined studies courses can help you develop:

  • Transferable and work-related skills valued by employers in today’s competitive jobs market.
  • Numeracy, communication, literacy and the ability to research.
  • Framing and addressing problems, questions and issues.
  • Communicating effectively, clearly and accurately.
  • Critically evaluating information, arguments and assumptions.

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Combined Studies modules

All Combined Studies courses

Browse all the Combined Studies courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Combined Studies courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Combined Studies courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Combined Studies courses