England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering
Take your first step into engineering with this introductory certificate. You’ll learn fundamental principles and techniques while building essential problem-solving, analytical and practical skills. From mechanics and materials to electronics and design, you’ll gain insights into the core areas of engineering and how they apply in real-world contexts. You’ll also develop the study habits and planning skills valued by professional engineers. On completion, you can continue your studies towards a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or an integrated Master of Engineering (MEng), or use the skills gained to support your current or future career.
This Certificate of Higher Education is the same as Stage 1 of our Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering (W93), Bachelor of Engineering (Q65) and Master of Engineering (M04).
This engineering certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study four 30-credit core engineering modules at a part-time study pace over two years, gaining the foundational knowledge and skills for further engineering study and taking your first steps in personal development planning.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all four of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)30Oct | Apr
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30Oct | Apr
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)30Oct
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 (T176)30Feb

By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, flexible learning materials, interactive tools, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering upon successful completion.
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.
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 certificate in two years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
You have up to seven years to finish your certificate.
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.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Check you have the necessary skills with our self-assessed engineering quizzes.
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.
£8,176*
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 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
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 your knowledge, competence and skills, including: applying general engineering knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication; project management; turning concepts into reality. This certificate will give you the foundation of skills to provide solutions to engineering problems. These could involve using existing or developing new technologies and designs; refining production systems; or developing new services.
This certificate is a general engineering qualification, but can be the foundation that provides entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles, including:
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.
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
content