Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Geology

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:

• The fundamental facts, concepts, principles, processes, methods and terminology, as well as current theories and developments, in geology and the broader Earth sciences
• The variety of geology and Earth science applications that address global issues such as climate change, resources, sustainability and geohazards.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Apply knowledge and skills acquired through your studies to address/investigate interdisciplinary problems in geology and Earth science, including making informed decisions/interpretations based on multiple lines of evidence and incomplete data
• Critically assess and synthesise complex scientific information from multiple sources, in a variety of formats and at a range of temporal and spatial scales, so that you can propose and test hypotheses and make informed decisions.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Initiate, design, conduct and report on independent practical work and ensure that the work is undertaken in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, taking account of relevant health and safety regulations as appropriate
• Build an adaptable, professional approach to the changing context of Earth science in society, considering different perspectives, cultures, strategies and risks.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Communicate complex scientific concepts and issues effectively in a range of formats and to a variety of audiences
• Reflect on your personal and transferable skills to plan your future professional development and guide your personal learning journey
• Locate, obtain and work with numerical and graphical geoscience information and data, appropriately citing published and other sources, while bearing in mind issues of quality and quantity, accuracy, precision, uncertainty, sampling, replication and repeatability
• Work independently and collaborate with others to achieve joint outcomes, playing an active role in facilitating effective interaction – including influencing and leading where appropriate – and using initiative, organisational and communication skills.

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

• In Stage 1, you’ll study a 60-credit introductory science module or two 30-credit mathematics modules, and a 60-credit science module.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit module and 60 credits of option modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll choose 60 credits from:

• Questions in science (S111)
• Discovering Mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Introducing statistics (M140)

You'll study the following:

• Science: concepts and practice (S112)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study the following:

• Earth science (S209)

You'll choose 60 credits from:

• Environmental science (S206)
• Energy and sustainability (T213)
• Planetary science and the search for life (S283)
• Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)
• The biology of survival (S295)

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

You’ll develop skills valued in a range of careers within and beyond geoscience, such as numeracy, interpretation of partial datasets, spatial visualisation, working across different scales and project planning. You’ll also gain a broad understanding of scientific concepts and the scientific method. You’ll be an independent learner with tested capabilities, equipped to make decisions about your future.

You’ll gain some important transferable skills that boost your employability, including:

• Digital literacy
• Communication
• Self-motivation
• Practical skills
• Problem solving
• Collaboration

Career relevance

The Government has identified a shortage of skilled geoscientists to fill professional geoscience roles. This diploma will help you move towards that goal.

This diploma will also equip you with a broad skill set that you can turn to a variety of jobs in government, the private sector, consultancies and environmental charities. Examples include the following career areas:

• Science Communication and Public Engagement
• Data Analysis and Processing
• Environmental Monitoring and Conservation
• Teaching
• Energy Management
• Resources

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.