Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in English

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Texts in English (or translated into English) from a wide range of different genres
• The central and complex role of language in the creation of meaning
• Key critical and theoretical approaches to the study of English, including an awareness of how language and texts negotiate cultural change and difference
• The character and conventions of the principal literary genres – poetry, fiction and drama – and of other kinds of writing and communication
• The history and contemporary position of English and its role as a global language
• Writing fiction, poetry, biography and autobiography with technical skill, individual style and editorial awareness

Cognitive skills

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

• Analyse a wide range of contemporary and historical texts from a variety of cultural contexts in an appropriate critical vocabulary
• Evaluate different interpretations of texts and language
• Relate ideas drawn from a variety of sources, including abstract concepts, to specific texts
• Diagnose and solve problems arising in your work, both critical and creative, and be able to respond to beneficial advice to enhance your writing
• Develop critical skills in the close reading and analysis of diverse texts and learn to use appropriate linguistic and literary terminology to describe and analyse texts
• Give objective and informed evaluations of your own and others’ work through constructive criticism

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Organise time and workload in the planning and writing of assignments and longer projects, following the conventions of scholarship in the subject, and acknowledging the work of others
• Edit and present a range of assignments to a professional standard
• Participate constructively in critical discussion about creative and scholarly work, collaborating orally and in writing with peers in developing your work and the work of your fellow students; contributing to a supportive writing and literary community
• Identify relevant material for a particular task from a variety of sources
• Identify and evaluate conflicting arguments, including recognizing the significance of different value positions in these arguments

Key skills

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

• Communicate complex ideas and arguments clearly and in ways that are appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience
• Use ICT tools competently, using information literacy skills in finding, evaluating and using online data
• Gather, sift, interpret and organize substantial quantities of diverse information in structured ways and reference sources appropriately
• Monitor and reflect on personal progress and make use of feedback from a tutor to improve performance

This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• Stage 1 combines an introductory arts and humanities module with a choice of beginning to study English language or learning about cultures throughout history.
• Next, in Stage 2, you’ll choose two from modules in English literature, English language and creative writing.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll start your diploma with:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)

You'll complete Stage 1 with either:

• Cultures (A112)
• Introducing English language studies (L101)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll choose two from:

• Creative writing (A215)
• English in the world (L201)
• Literature matters (A240)
• Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)

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

Employers greatly value the kinds of skills that successful completion of a Diploma of Higher Education in English will develop. You’ll learn to evaluate and assimilate information in constructing an argument; and acquire skills of critical and flexible thinking, analysis, communication and creativity that are much in demand in the workplace. You’ll also sharpen your IT and writing skills. These are key skills in complex organisations and greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.

Career relevance

Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts that will have a relevance to a variety of careers such as:

• In cultural and creative industries
• Education
• Museum work
• Public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
• Advertising, journalism, publishing, and public relations
• Business, banking and retail
• Law
• Charities and campaigning

Other careers

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.