Diploma of Higher Education in Business and Economics | Open University

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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Business and Economics

Step into the world of business and economics with this dynamic diploma. You’ll explore how organisations operate, understand the role of finance in society, and gain essential insights into economic systems and policy. From business strategy and marketing to global trade and inequality, you’ll examine how economic and managerial thinking shapes real-world outcomes. You’ll also develop critical thinking, data analysis, and decision-making skills, which employers value across sectors. Whether you aim to progress your career or continue your studies, this diploma equips you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing business landscape.

You'll be learning from experts at a top triple-accredited business school:

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of the

BA (Honours) Business and Economics (R75)

This business and economics diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Business and law Access module or the Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module.

In Stage 1, you’ll explore the core principles of business and management, including how organisations are structured and what they aim to achieve. You’ll also be introduced to key economic concepts and develop financial awareness in a broader social and personal context, building a strong foundation for Stage 2.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb

In Stage 2, you’ll study how key functions – such as marketing, finance, and operations – work together to support effective business management. You’ll also explore a range of economic topics, including economic policy and forecasting, market structures, trade, inflation, and the national economy, gaining insight into how economic thinking applies to real-world challenges.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60	Oct
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)	60	Oct

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Business and Economics 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

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:

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

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.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Business and law Access module or the Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module.

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, you'll need:

*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:

You'll develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling you to interpret economic data, assess business challenges, and make informed decisions. You'll also gain an understanding of economic modelling and use software tools to analyse market trends and policy impacts. The course enhances problem-solving abilities, strategic decision-making, and risk management skills while fostering a deep understanding of business operations and their societal impact. By exploring the interactions between organisations, markets, and economies, you'll be equipped to tackle real-world challenges and apply economic principles effectively in diverse professional and personal contexts.

The skills and knowledge gained from this diploma can open doors to various career paths. A qualification in business and economics can equip you well for roles in:

The Open University Business School is one of the few institutions worldwide that is triple-accredited by the:

Association of MBAs (AMBA)

European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

These are internationally recognised quality standards that independently validate the quality of the school's teaching, research, and operations. The School undergoes regular reviews to ensure that standards are maintained and has successfully retained its triple-accredited status since 2004. This qualification is accredited through inclusion in these reviews.

Individuals with business and economics qualifications are highly valued by employers because they possess a unique combination of analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills essential for navigating today's complex economic and business environment. Many roles, particularly in business, management consultancy and the public sector are open to applicants from any discipline, offering a wide range of career possibilities.

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. This includes 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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience:

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

Ask a question

Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

Request a prospectus

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.