Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT

The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have:

• A knowledge and understanding of relevant principles and concepts underlying computing and IT
• Ability to apply correctly common techniques for the design and development of computing and IT systems
• An awareness of the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used and the ways in which people interact with them
• An appreciation of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the deployment of computing and IT systems.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Apply correctly key computing and IT concepts in a range of contexts
• Apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems
• Compare and contrast, specifications and implementations of software systems and/or simple hardware systems
• Reflect on what you achieve in your studies, and how you might improve your performance.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Analyse, design, evaluate and/or test information technology systems
• Recognise and record your skills and knowledge to support your personal and/or career goals
• Plan, monitor and review your progress as an independent learner
• Identify and explain the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of Computing and IT systems
• Use ICT tools and numerical skills, as appropriate, to help you learn effectively.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Communicate information, arguments and ideas effectively, using the styles and language appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience
• Work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
• Work independently, planning, monitoring and reviewing your own learning
• Find, assess and use information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
• Use appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
• Understand a range of technological problems and apply suitable techniques for solving them.

This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules from a choice of focus areas and choose two further 30-credit modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study all three of the following:

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)
• Technologies in practice (TM129)

You'll choose one from:

• Discovering Mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll choose one focus and study both of the following modules:

Communications and networking focus

• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
• Communication and information technologies (TM255)

Computer science focus

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)

Software development focus

• Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)
• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)

Web development focus

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Web technologies (TM252)

You'll also choose two from:

• Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)
• Change, strategy and projects at work (T227)
• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
• Communication and information technologies (TM255)
• Cyber security (TM256)
• Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)
• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Web technologies (TM252)

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 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.

Skills for career development

If you work, or would like to work, in information technology, computing, communication technology or related fields, this course is for you. It’s particularly relevant for hardware, software, or systems-based contexts. You’ll gain a sound grasp of these technologies and develop your expertise in particular areas of interest, choosing from options such as software engineering communications, networks or web technologies.

You’ll also experience working in a team to tackle a small development task; and gain valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, numeracy, and analysing and solving problems. You’ll be well prepared for further study should you decide to complete a full honours degree.

Career relevance

Finance, government, business, commerce, public services such as health and education, and the voluntary sector are all critically dependent on computing and IT systems. This diploma course is an ideal starting point for a career in any of these sectors, focusing on information technology, computing, communication technology and related fields, or to enhance your existing career.

Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. You could develop your skills and knowledge in the key employment areas in need of skilled candidates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.

Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.

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.