Course details
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with two 30-credit computing modules and two 30-credit engineering modules.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules in a specific area of computing, a further 30-credit computing module of your choice, plus a 30-credit electronics module.
At Stage 1, you’ll study two introductory computing and IT modules and two introductory engineering modules.
At Stage 2, you’ll choose an area of computing to focus on and study two modules in that area. You’ll choose a further computing module that fits your needs and interests. Plus, study a module that will develop your understanding of electronics.
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 15 March 2022.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- working in a group with other students
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- practical work
- finding external/third party material online
- using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
- working with specialist reading material
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
- some modules require you to use specialist software.
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.
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.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
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 for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download 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 Computing with Electronic Engineering.
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.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. However, you’ll need:
- some basic knowledge of computing
- some knowledge of mathematics
- the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Mathematics is a key part of both computing and engineering. The level of mathematics you’ll need for this diploma is higher than for the Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT (W36). Consider this when deciding which course is right for you.
Check you have the necessary skills at students.open.ac.uk/openmark/engineering.ayrf1.
1This diagnostic will work best on your desktop. Some features are not compatible with mobile/tablet devices
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:
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
Skills for career development
This diploma is useful if you already work or would like to work with computing and IT systems. Equipping you with the foundational knowledge of hardware-, software-, and systems-based technologies. And preparing you for employment in software engineering, communications, networks, or web technologies. Also, you’ll be able to work towards roles like a designer of a wide range of instruments. Examples are industrial process monitoring equipment such as meters and gauges, production line systems, and industrial robotic systems. And to be useful member of a systems integration team. You’ll develop transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, and problem solving.
Career relevance
The digital sector must meet the need for skills in IT and telecommunications. Computing and IT graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations. The range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. It includes:
- broadcast media
- digital media
- financial services
- healthcare
- leisure and gaming
- manufacturing
- retail
- telecommunications
- the public sector
- transport
- tourism.
The electronic engineering aspect provides access to careers designing or working with a wide range of instruments, and in industries such as automotive or aerospace.
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 beyond your degree):
- app developer
- automation engineer
- control and instrumentation engineer
- cyber security manager
- data analyst
- electronic engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- network administrator
- network architect
- security analyst
- software engineer
- web developer.