Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Mathematics

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have:

• A broad understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT
• Ability to apply correctly, common techniques for the design and development of computing and IT systems
• An understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying your second subject area
• Ability to apply the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in your second subject area
• An awareness of the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used, particularly in your second subject area, the ways in which people interact with them, and the limitations of such systems
• An awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of computing and IT systems, including in the context of your second subject area
• An awareness of major trends in computing and IT, their implications, and their impact on your second subject area.

Cognitive skills

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

• Apply correctly key concepts from computing and IT and from your second subject area in a range of contexts
• Apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems
• Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools relevant to your second subject area
• Compare and contrast a range of ideas, arguments or theories based on your second subject area.

Practical and/or professional skills

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

• Analyse, design, evaluate and/or test computing and IT systems
• Recognise and record your skills and knowledge to support your personal and/or career goals
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning in order to keep up to date with computing and IT and your second subject area
• Identify and explain the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise in your second subject area and 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, ideas and issues effectively using 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
• Recognise and understand a range of technological problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.

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

• In Stage 1, you’ll study two 30-credit computing & IT modules and two 30-credit mathematics modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules from a choice of computing & IT focus areas and a 60-credit mathematics module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Computing & IT

You'll study both of the following:

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)

Mathematics

You'll study both of the following:

• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Computing & IT focus

Choose one of four computing & IT focus areas:

Communications and networking

You'll study both of the following:

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

Computer science

You'll study both of the following:

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

Software development

You'll study both of the following:

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

Web development

You'll study both of the following:

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

Mathematics

Choose either applied mathematics or pure mathematics:

You'll choose one from:

• Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)
• Pure mathematics (M208)

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

This qualification will equip you with a sound grasp of the principles of technologies in your specialist area, an ability to apply the principles and an awareness of surrounding issues. Depending on your choice of second subject – business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – you’ll have a unique and focused skill set that will enhance your existing career and put you in a strong position in the jobs market, which increasingly depends on computing technologies across all sectors.

During the course you will gain a range of valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, analysis and problem-solving, and be well prepared for further study should you decide to top up to an honours degree.

Career relevance

Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.

This diploma course opens the way for a wide range of IT-related careers. Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.

Other careers

The range of organisations employing computing and IT specialists is extensive. Beyond pure technology roles, people with computing and IT expertise also enter management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

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.