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BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

Some of the key questions in the world today require expertise from a range of subjects. Multidisciplinary study has always been at the heart of the Open University, and the Open degree allows you to bring together different areas of study in a completely flexible way to develop knowledge and skills. The BA/BSc (Honours) Open is a degree with a difference. Free from the restriction of a subject-specific specialism, you can set the direction of your learning. Choose from over 250 modules across 16 subject areas, to create a bespoke qualification to match your interests, and help stand out in the job market.

"The fact that the OU has the option of choosing an Open degree is fabulous. So many people I have spoken to wish they’d had this option at university rather than going down one route." Carol Dow, BSc (Honours) Open

Course Summary

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Degree

Course code: QD

Credits

360

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding How OU study works Careers

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. For your BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree you can:

study a broad range of subjects; or
specialise in one subject area, and pick from a wide range of subjects to complete your qualification; or
specialise in two subject areas, dividing your time equally between both.

If you’re interested in exploring some predefined subject-based routes through the qualification, expand the Routes through the degree section below.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll start Stage 1 with 60 credits from a wide choice of introductory modules. This can include Making your learning count (YXM130) which gives you the chance to count study from a variety of subjects towards your qualification. All introductory modules are worth 30 or 60 credits, and have been carefully selected to develop your subject knowledge and study skills in preparation for further OU study.

To complete this stage, you’ll choose a further 60 credits from a wider selection of our other Stage 1 modules. Many students focus broadly on one discipline, such as science or the humanities – but there’s nothing to stop you studying modules from entirely different subject areas.

Key introductory Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 1 key introductory option modules	60

All Stage 1 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Having completed Stage 1, you may have formed some ideas about the direction you want to follow – if so, you can start to focus on one or two subject areas and explore some of the topics you will have encountered at Stage 1 in more depth. Equally, you can continue to be inspired by different subjects, especially if you have previous knowledge or experience. Either way, after you've completed the 120 credits required for Stage 2, you will have enhanced your critical thinking and analytical skills.

All Stage 2 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 120 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 2 option modules	120

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Stage 3 is focused on the study of specialist topics and issues. During this stage you will develop significantly as an independent learner and acquire high-level thinking skills in preparation for graduate-level employment or postgraduate study. To complete the 120 credits of study required for Stage 3, we strongly recommend that you build on previous studies to get the best from your learning experience with us.

All Stage 3 modules
Modules	Credits
You'll choose 120 credits from:
Choose from this list of Stage 3 option modules	120

Routes through the degree

If you want to mainly focus your Open degree on just one subject, you can choose 180 credits of subject-specific study across the three stages (as detailed in the example routes given below), combined with 180 credits from a wide range of modules. Alternatively, if you’d like to study two specific subjects, you could choose to combine 180 credits of subject-specific study from one route with 180 credits of subject-specific study from another.

These routes are optional and are provided just to give you a few ideas, other subjects and module choices are available when you register.

Following a suggested subject route, or combining two together, can be particularly beneficial if you’re keen to develop a specialism in a particular subject(s). However, please be aware that the subject(s) you study won’t be included on your degree certificate or in the name of your degree.

Art history
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Exploring art and visual culture (A226)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Art and its global histories (A344)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Biology
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Cell and molecular biology (S296) – planned for October 2023	30
The biology of survival (S295)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60
S112 is not a key introductory module. If you’re interested in studying this route, you’ll need to have completed 60 credits of key introductory modules in another subject.

Business and management
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Childhood and youth studies
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Issues in research with children and young people (EK313)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Computer science
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)	30
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Data management and analysis (TM351)	30
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Design
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Design essentials (T217)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Innovation: designing for change (T317)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Economics
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
You and your money (DB125)	30
Economics in context (DD126)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217) – planned for October 2023	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Doing economics: people, markets and policy (DD309)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60
DD126 is not a key introductory module. If you’re interested in studying this route, you’ll need to have completed 60 credits of key introductory modules in another subject.

Engineering
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)	30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Core engineering A (T271)	30
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30
Renewable energy (T313)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Environmental technology
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Renewable energy (T313)	30
Environmental management 2 (T319)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

French
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)	30
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
French studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L332)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Health and social care
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introducing health and social care (K102)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Critical issues in health and wellbeing (K219)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Leading, managing, caring (K318)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Law
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Criminal law and the courts (W111)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Public law (W211)	30
International, environmental and space law (W260)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Trusts law (W311) – planned for October 2023	30
Law, society and culture (W340)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Mathematics and statistics
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30
Analysing data (M248)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Applications of probability (M343)	30
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Psychology
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Advancing social psychology (DD317)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60
DE100 is not a key introductory module. If you’re interested in studying this route, you’ll need to have completed 60 credits of key introductory modules in another subject.

Sport and fitness
Modules	Credits
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Introduction to sport and fitness (E117)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules	60
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Applying sport and exercise sciences to coaching (E236)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Athletic development: a psychological perspective (E312)	60
Plus choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

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 09 September 2022.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree uses a variety of study materials and may have the following elements, depending on the modules you choose to study:

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 such as works of art and musical manuscripts
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
using specialist software (for example the Sibelius music writing package)
using an online Laboratory or Design/Engineering Studio
some modules may require you to attend a residential school.

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 have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University 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. 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 of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Open or our BSc (Honours) Open.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Designation of your degree

Whether you receive a BA (Honours) Open degree or a BSc (Honours) Open degree will depend on the modules you choose:

For BA (Bachelor of Arts) designation, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BA (module codes starting with A, B, D, E, K, L, M, U, W or YXM).
For a BSc (Bachelor of Science) designation, at least 180 credits must come from modules suitable for a BSc (module codes starting with B, D, E, K, M, S, T, U, W or YXM).

Of these 180 credits, at least 120 must be at OU level 2 or above, and at least 60 of these must be at OU level 3.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualification 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.

BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

Compare this course

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

The BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree begins with one of a range of introductory modules, which are all designed to build a solid foundation for further study. Although this first module will provide the foundation for your qualification, having some basic skills before you begin can help you get the best from your studies. If, for example, you choose one of our science, maths or engineering modules, we recommend that you check with us that your IT and mathematical skills are at an appropriate level.

For the following subject areas, we offer online diagnostic tools to help you to decide if you’re ready, or if you could do with some extra preparation:

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 either:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

Y031

People, work and society 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 childhood and youth studies, social science, psychology, health, business and law.

View full details of People, work and society Access module

Y032

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 wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

Y034

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	£27,750	£19,368	£8,382 (30%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£12,912	£5,588 (30%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£6,456	£2,794 (30%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £19,368

Saving with The Open University £8,382 (30%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £12,912

Saving with The Open University £5,588 (30%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £6,456

Saving with The Open University £2,794 (30%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 22/23 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

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 throughout the course could be online, face-to-face or a mixture of the two, 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 requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

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.

Skills for career development

A BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree equips you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities which are much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market. An Open degree on your CV shows more than your level of knowledge about a subject; employers know that you are flexible and adaptable, having studied across a range of subjects. It also allows you to develop a diverse range of transferable skills, personal attributes and external awareness including:

self-management and resilience
initiative
self-awareness
collaboration
problem-solving
communication
numeracy
digital and information literacy
global citizenship
commercial and/or sector awareness

Career relevance

The flexibility of our BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree makes it relevant to a wide range of careers and industries. It can help you to develop in your existing employment or be a passport to a whole new career. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles; and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path.

Other careers

Graduate employers from most sectors put value on a degree, however not necessarily the subject studied. The 2019 Institute of Student Employers’ Inside Student Recruitment report showed the percentage of graduate recruiters not looking for a qualification in a particular subject had risen to 86%.

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 The Open University’s Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of careers information. Advice and guidance. This includes online forums, website, AI interview simulation, our vacancy service as well as the option to email or have a phone or video consultation to a Careers Consultant. Some areas of the Careers and Employability Services 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. Once you are a registered student you will also be able to access the information on the Open Programme’s Qualification site.

You can also visit the graduate careers website Prospects for hundreds of job ideas.

Register for this course

Start dates

Apr 2023 - Registration closes 09/03/2023

Credit transfer: apply by 09/02/2023

Request a prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

Course details

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Key introductory Stage 1 modules

All Stage 1 modules

Stage 2 (120 credits)

All Stage 2 modules

Stage 3 (120 credits)

All Stage 3 modules

Routes through the degree

Art history

Biology

Business and management

Childhood and youth studies

Computer science

Design

Economics

Engineering

Environmental technology

French

Health and social care

Law

Mathematics and statistics

Psychology

Sport and fitness

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

Designation of your degree

International recognition

Regulations

Compare this course

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

People, work and society Access module

What you will study

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