Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering | Open University

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This postgraduate diploma is the same as the first two-thirds of our

MSc in Engineering (F46)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits. You'll study three compulsory 30-credit core engineering modules and choose 30 credits from a range of option modules.

Modules	Credits	Next start
You'll study both of the following:
Manufacture materials design (T805) This module introduces materials processing from a design engineer's perspective, exploring the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Finite element analysis: principles and applications (T808) Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
You'll choose one from:
Project management (M815) This APM-accredited module is for aspiring and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in managing technological projects. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) This module covers core topics in the application of mathematics and is an accessible introduction to the study of applied mathematics at OU level 3. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary and partial differential equations and mathematical methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow problems. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) Draw on theoretical perspectives from strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical approach to technological innovation management. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and waste pollution. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Making environmental decisions (T891) This module teaches a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) This module provides the background knowledge and practical skill set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Technology and innovation management (TB801) Examine innovation from a management perspective, and develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) Build your capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. Next start date: 01 May 2026 See full description	30	01 May 2026
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Modules M820, MS327 and MST326 have entry requirements – check them on the module descriptions.
While the credits you achieve from the undergraduate modules MS327 or MST326 will contribute to the credits required for this qualification, the grade you get won’t contribute to your overall classification.
You'll study the following:
Team engineering (T885) This module provides an opportunity for you to explore an engineering problem in-depth, working as part of a small team. Next start date: 11 Sep 2026 See full description	30	11 Sep 2026

By studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering, you’ll:

You’ll progress through online materials, tutor-supported activities and collaborative project work, developing skills valued across engineering roles.

You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip (Eng) (Open) after your name.

Your postgraduate diploma may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.

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

contact us

You’ll study the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering part-time, completing 60 credits per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering within eight years.

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:

The Open University provides advice and guidance to help students who have disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties or mental health difficulties.

For more information, visit our Disability support page.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

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 entry requirements for this qualification.

However, some option modules do have entry requirements. We’ll ask you to prove you meet them when you register for any of these modules:

Although this qualification has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:

Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.

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.

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.

The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year.

Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.

We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March.

You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. Since module fees can vary, the total cost of the qualification will depend on the modules you choose. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£7,375–£7,931*

Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.

There are some additional costs that aren’t included.

Further information is available in the module descriptions.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our

Fee Rules

Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.

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.

We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.

You may be eligible for:

This qualification will help you develop your engineering skills, as well as a range of transferable skills, including the ability to apply specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively, effective communication, project management, the ability to turn concepts into reality, and a professional approach to your work.

The knowledge and practical experience you gain during your postgraduate studies mean you'll be well placed to take advantage of the many senior engineering and technology employment opportunities available at home and abroad. At the same time, you'll be developing capabilities that employers highly prize in a variety of other sectors, where your logical thinking, numeracy skills, and teamwork abilities will be in demand.

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.

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

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Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.