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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate all the course types, from degrees to certificates, offered by The Open University.
We offer flexible ways to learn, whatever your goals. You might start with a certificate or diploma – respected qualifications on their own – and great stepping stones if you choose to work towards a degree. Or you could build new skills with a short course, microcredential or standalone module – ideal for more focused learning. And if you’ve already got a degree, our postgraduate options can help you take your knowledge even further.
Many of our qualifications work as stepping stones, from one stage to the next. They’re also valuable in their own right. You could start with a certificate and stop there. Or continue your studies to gain a diploma and then a degree.
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 3
Stage 3
120 credits
120 credits
Total of 360 credits
Total of 360 credits
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 credits
120 credits
Stage 2
Stage 2
120 credits
120 credits
Total of 240 credits
Total of 240 credits
Stage 1
Stage 1
120 credits
120 credits
Total of 120 credits
Total of 120 credits
Looking for a more specialised route? Our other qualifications provide a focused approach to building skills, gaining recognition, or preparing for further study.
Good for you if...
... you want to study at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Equivalent to
Combines undergraduate and postgraduate study
Credits
480
How long will it take?
Typically 8 years part-time
Good for you if...
... you're working or volunteering in a particular area and want to enhance your professional and technical knowledge and skills.
Equivalent to
The first two-thirds of an honours degree
Credits
240
How long will it take?
Typically 4 years part-time or 2 years full-time
Good for you if...
... you're looking to upskill and retrain.
Equivalent to
The first two-thirds of an honours degree
Credits
240
How long will it take?
Typically 4 years part-time
Good for you if...
... you want to focus on a particular profession or subject area.
Equivalent to
These qualifications are unique to The Open University
Credits
60–90
How long will it take?
Typically 1 year part-time
If you want to develop your knowledge and skills in a particular area, you can study a module on a standalone basis. And if you choose to study for a qualification at a later date, you may be able to count your module towards it, saving you time and money.
Good for you if...
... you want to complete a self-contained unit of study without committing to a qualification.
Credits
30 or 60 credits
How long will it take?
Typically 6–9 months
Good for you if...
... you want to improve your confidence and prepare for study.
Credits
30 credits
How long will it take?
Typically 30 weeks
Whether you want to build new skills quickly or gain industry-recognised expertise, our short courses and microcredentials offer flexible, high-quality learning designed to support your goals.
Good for you if...
... you want to study entirely online for personal interest or professional development.
Credits
No academic credit
How long will it take?
Typically 25–100 hours of study
Good for you if...
... you want to build professional skills and earn transferable academic credit.
Credits
10–15
How long will it take?
Typically 10–12 weeks
Level info