Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in History and Politics

Knowledge and understanding

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

• Selected concepts, theories and debates within social science and the application of these to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, practices and processes
• History is a systematic and reflective discipline producing bodies of knowledge about the past, these being constantly subject to controversy and debate.
• Aspects of politics and history drawn from the period since 1750

Cognitive skills

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

• Define and use key concepts, abstract models and theories from politics and history as well as related areas of international relations, development and economics, to study historical and contemporary societal processes and outcomes.
• Analyse complex issues in global history and politics and synthesise and critically evaluate different kinds of evidence from a variety of sources to develop detailed, reasoned arguments
• Critically compare and evaluate competing ideas, arguments theories and approaches used in historical and political analysis

Practical and/or professional skills

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

• Confidently select, summarise and synthesise information from a range of materials and sources and interpret, read and record/note appropriately
• Express and present complex ideas succinctly and clearly in written form in a coherent and organised manner to develop a logical, substantiated and sustained argument, with sources referenced appropriately
• Perform basic numerical operations and interpret basic descriptive statistics in tables, graphs and diagrams showing awareness of the range of interpretations they might be used to support
• Independently search for, access, critically evaluate and prepare information from a range of sources, including using a range of ICT applications and tools
• Identify and use sources of support and feedback to reflect upon your learning.

Key skills

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

• Work without constant direction, in a variety of settings, to assess tasks and make plans across a programme of work and be able to reflect on, plan and use your time strategically to fulfil those tasks
• Work independently and in collaboration with others, demonstrating effective communication and adaptability
• Make informed, reasoned choices and judgments applicable to a wide range of situations based on an understanding of historical and political

This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• Stage 1 consists of two compulsory modules. The first will introduce you to the study of the arts and humanities, and the second to the social sciences.
• Next, in Stage 2, the two compulsory modules will focus on aspects of history and politics.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)
• Global challenges: social science in action (D113)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)
• The British Isles and the Modern World, 1789–1914 (A225)

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

Studying history and politics provides you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and are greatly valued by employers. Beyond subject knowledge, these include critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and communication. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, independent thinking and information auditing skills, as well as develop an ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information when constructing an argument for a variety of audiences. These are key skills in complex organisations and independent endeavours, so highly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re just starting or looking to change or progress your career.

Career relevance

Studying history and politics requires and fosters an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural and political environments and historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of ideas and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the Diploma of Higher Education in History and Politics relevant to a wide range of careers, including:

• Education
• Public administration, central and local government, the civil and diplomatic service, art and museum institutions, and social services
• Advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
• Legal work
• Business, banking and retail
• Human resources
• 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.