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Course type: Diploma

Diploma

Widely recognised qualification.

Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.

Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.

Study for interest or career development.

Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
Credits: 240

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Diploma of Higher Education in Design and Innovation

: Course code: W73

This general design diploma focuses on developing creative design thinking to address problems in every aspect of life. The design modules feature online studios for sharing and networking, alongside inspiring study materials and practical components. As well as design, you’ll study modules in complementary subjects to gain skills and knowledge in an area that fits your needs and interests.

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Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Teaches you about different design specialisms
Focuses on the process and application design and innovation in real-world contexts
Puts your learning into practice, building a portfolio of design work to show your ideas and skills

This Diploma of Higher Education is the same as Stages 1 and 2 of our BA/BSc (Honours) Design and Innovation (Q61). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Design and Innovation (T37).

Course type

Diploma

Credits

240

How long it takes

Part-time study – 4 years

Full-time study – 2 years

Time limit – 12 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This design and innovation diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study one 60-credit design module and 60 credits of option modules in a complementary subject.
In Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit design module and 60 credits of option modules.
We’ve created themes to guide you and help you choose your 120 credits of option modules.

You’ll study one 60-credit design module and 60 credits of option modules in a complementary subject from Arts or Science.

Design module

Design module
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)	60

Arts option modules

Arts option modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Active bodies: introducing the study of sport and exercise (E114)	60
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Cultures (A112)	60
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60
Introducing health and social care (K102)	60
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Revolutions (A113)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60
Young children's play and creativity (E110)	60

Science option modules

Science option modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)	30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)	30
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30

You’ll study one 60-credit design module and 60 credits of option modules from your chosen subject area (Arts or Science).

Design module

Design module
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Design essentials (T217)	60

Arts option modules

Arts option modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)	60
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)	60
Creative writing (A215)	60
Critical ideas in wellbeing and public health (K212)	60
Developing leadership (B208)	60
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209)	60
Environment and society (DD213)	60
Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60
Music, sound and technology (A232)	60
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60
Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235)	60
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60
Understanding music (A234)	60

Science option modules

Science option modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Core engineering A (T271)	30
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)	60
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Environmental science (S226)	60
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)	30
Web technologies (TM252)	30

We’ve created themes to help you choose your 120 credits of options modules.

Culture and aesthetics
Energy/Engineering
Environment
Health and wellbeing
Interfaces and interaction
Management
Society
Sustainability

Culture and aesthetics

Culture and aesthetics
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll choose one from:
Cultures (A112)	60
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60
Revolutions (A113)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)	60
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60
Creative writing (A215)	60
Music, sound and technology (A232)	60

Energy/Engineering

Energy/Engineering
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll study both of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)	30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)	30
Stage 2
You'll study the following:
Core engineering A (T271)	30
You'll choose one from:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30

Environment

Environment
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll study the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)	60
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Environmental science (S226)	60

Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll choose one from:
Active bodies: introducing the study of sport and exercise (E114)	60
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60
Introducing health and social care (K102)	60
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)	60
Young children's play and creativity (E110)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose one from:
Critical ideas in wellbeing and public health (K212)	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)	60
Sport and exercise psychology in action (E235)	60

Interfaces and interaction

Interfaces and interaction
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30
Stage 2
You'll study both of the following:
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)	30
Web technologies (TM252)	30

Management

Management
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose one from:
Developing leadership (B208)	60
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209) – planned for October 2025	60
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60

Society

Society
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll choose one from:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60
Introducing the social sciences (DD102)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose one from:
Environment and society (DD213)	60
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60

Sustainability

Sustainability
Modules	Credits
Stage 1
You'll study the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Stage 2
You'll choose one from:
Environment and society (DD213)	60
Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)	60
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229) – planned for October 2024	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Design and Innovation uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques or working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
working in a group with other students
using and producing drawings and screenshots
undertaking practical work
finding external/third-party material online
using specialist software and interfaces

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Diploma of Higher Education in Design and Innovation.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Diploma of Higher Education in Design and Innovation

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

Y031

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

Y033

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social care, wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

Y034

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£28,605	£23,352	£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070	£15,568	£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535	£7,784	£1,751 (18%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £28,605

Total cost at The Open University** £23,352

Saving with The Open University £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £19,070

Total cost at The Open University** £15,568

Saving with The Open University £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,535

Total cost at The Open University** £7,784

Saving with The Open University £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

The aim of this diploma is to broaden your design thinking and develop design skills around your own particular interests. You’ll develop your understanding of the processes, principles and issues involved in designing and producing new products, and the issues and challenges associated with designing. You’ll gain skills in applying and managing design processes and generate design ideas, concepts, proposals or solutions in response to set briefs to develop a small portfolio of work.

Career relevance

The skills gained through this diploma are relevant to a wide range of careers. The ability to use design thinking in a range of context is particularly valued by employers and you’ll also develop skills in representing your ideas to communicate them.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

design engineer
product designer
web designer
design consultant
industrial designer
research and development (R&D) manager
graphic designer
information architect
technical journalist
visual designer
sustainability designer
product developer
management consultant
freelance entrepreneur/innovator
researcher.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2025 - Registration closes 11/09/2025
Feb 2026 - Registration closes 08/01/2026

Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 04/12/2025

Request your Engineering, Design and Technology prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Design module

Arts option modules

Science option modules

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Design module

Arts option modules

Science option modules

Themes

Culture and aesthetics

Energy/Engineering

Environment

Health and wellbeing

Interfaces and interaction

Management

Society

Sustainability

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

International recognition

Regulations

Compare this course

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

Fees and funding in England

Tuition fee