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Course type: Certificate

Certificate

Widely recognised qualification.

Equivalent to the first third of an honours degree.

Study for interest or career development.

Shows that you can study successfully at university level.

Count it towards further qualifications such as a foundation degree, DipHE or honours degree.
Credits: 120

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

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Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance

: Course code: T36

By studying this certificate, you'll appreciate how economic theory helps understand real world important issues in areas such as government policy, international trade, business decisions, work and innovation. You’ll discover how economics and the economies have evolved over time. This will give you a building block towards acquiring a critical perspective on economics and economic choices for our daily lives. As you’re learning about income, expenditure, savings and investments, you'll gain practical tools and ideas on how to manage your own money effectively.

Key features

Understand how economic theory relates to a variety of real-world topics in society.
Introduces statistical methods and how to apply them to actual economic problems.
Develop introductory skills in analytical thought, numeracy and data analysis that are valued by employers.
Learn practical skills enabling you to manage your money better.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Economics (R30).

Course type

Certificate

Credits

120

How long it takes

Part-time study – 2 years

Full-time study – 1 year

Time limit – 7 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

Course details

This economics and personal finance certificate has one stage comprising 120 credits.

You'll be introduced to economic, mathematical and statistical methods and theories. Various approaches to economics will be taught in a historical context and with a specific focus on managing your personal finances.

Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll study all of the following:
You and your money (DB125)	30
Economics in context (DD126)	30
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30
Introducing statistics (M140)	30

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

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Specialist software to analyse economic data
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
Online tutorials
Group-work

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

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

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance.

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.

Certificate of Higher Education in Economics and Personal Finance

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

It is important that you are well prepared to study mathematics at this level. So, before you register for this qualification, it is essential to check that you have the appropriate mathematical skills to study Discovering mathematics (MU123).

Take a look at our Maths Help study resources to brush up your mathematical skills in preparation for our self-assessed quiz. If you can answer most of the questions, or could do them with a quick reminder (because the topic is familiar to you but you can’t quite remember the details), then you are ready.

If you're unsure about your ability to study this qualification, please contact an advisor.

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:

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

Fees and funding

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 you'll study

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.

Careers

Skills for career development

This certificate will equip you with introductory knowledge and skills in economics, statistics and personal finance that are useful for a range of jobs. You will learn how to construct economic arguments using concepts, theories, models and evidence; how to think analytically; and how to work collaboratively. These transferable skills are in demand in the workplace, and are relevant to a great variety of situations – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.

Career relevance

Holders of a qualification in economics can successfully apply their knowledge and skills in various jobs in government, business, accountancy, banking, economics, data analysis, insurance, management and administration, consultancy, the voluntary sector and teaching.

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. 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:

management consultant
banker
data analyst

marketing manager
manager

accountant
teacher.

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 a prospectus

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Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

International recognition

Regulations

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

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