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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Network Engineering
We’ve developed this network engineering diploma in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure you acquire the specific knowledge and skills required for a career as a network engineer. Designed around industry practices, this diploma will develop the professional knowledge, skills, and behaviours that employers want. You’ll first build a foundation of computing and mathematical knowledge and skills. Then, learn the fundamental technologies and techniques relevant to the role of a network engineer – an in-demand and valued profession. Skills England recognises this diploma as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), approving it as meeting occupational standards for the digital sector.
This course is recognised as an HTQ:
Higher Technical Qualification logo
This network engineering diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study two 30-credit fundamental computing and IT modules and a 30-credit module that introduces some key areas of technology, plus choose one 30-credit mathematics module to suit your level of mathematical knowledge.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all three of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Oct | Apr
Technologies in practice (TM129)30Oct | Feb
You'll choose one from:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30Oct | Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb

You’ll study four 30-credit modules covering networking, web and communication technologies, as well as managing IT projects.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all four of the following:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)30Oct
Communication and information technologies (TM255)30Oct
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)30Oct
Web technologies (TM252)30Feb

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, distance-learning materials, interactive activities, and ongoing feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Network Engineering upon successful completion.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this diploma in two years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this diploma in four years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need some basic knowledge of computing and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
You have a choice of mathematics modules depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). Find out which is best for you.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

4 years
£3,892*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£15,568*
That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£28,605
£28,605
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£23,352
£23,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,070
£19,070
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£15,568
£15,568
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,535
£9,535
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£7,784
£7,784
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£28,605
£28,605
£23,352
£23,352
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,070
£19,070
£15,568
£15,568
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,535
£9,535
£7,784
£7,784
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 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.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, these are:
*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.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
If your ambition is to work as a network engineer or in computer system administration/IT system management, this qualification is for you. Study with the knowledge that what you are learning meets the occupational standards for professionals in these fields.
Covering modules in communications, web technologies and Cisco networking, you’ll gain industry-relevant knowledge, skills and certifications that you can use directly in your current workplace or to start a new career direction.
You’ll also gain experience working in a team to tackle a small development task and develop valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, numeracy, problem-solving and data handling.
Every sector conceivable depends on IT systems. Business networks are becoming more complex and nuanced. And with the expansion of cloud technologies, cyber security concerns, and more people working remotely than ever before, having the ability to network computing and IT systems will potentially open up a vast range of opportunities. This qualification will also give you the industry gold standard Cisco Networking CCNA Part 1, a valued certification for new network engineers.
Given that we created this qualification to defined standards, you’ll have the option to enter the IT workplace in various roles following completion. Depending on your interests and ambitions, you can consider other IT roles such as helpdesk support, system administration, or communications engineering.
If you already work in the IT sector, your new knowledge and experience will support you to move into a network engineering role. It will help open up new avenues of professional development, progressing your career.
Skills England has approved this diploma as compliant with the Network Engineer Higher Technical Qualification occupational map.
We’ve created this qualification to meet defined occupational standards approved by the Skills England. Meeting these standards means you’ll gain professionally approved skills and abilities applicable to a range of employers in the public and private sectors.
If you’re interested to find out more about where this qualification might take you, you can read the Skills England Occupational Maps.
Higher Technical Qualification logo
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of careers information, advice and guidance – including online forums, our comprehensive website, access to interview simulations and feedback, and a vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a Careers and Employability Consultant.
You can also research other roles of interest by looking at Prospects and the IT sector overview. It can be beneficial to read current job adverts and look at the required skills or knowledge. Even talk to the company or organisation recruiting about what they look for in applicants. You want to hit the ground running when you’re ready to put your newfound skills into practice.
This qualification is currently not open for new registrations.
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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This qualification is currently not open for new registrations.
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