Diploma of Higher Education in History

Knowledge and understanding

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

• History is a systematic and reflective discipline producing bodies of knowledge about the past, these being constantly subject to controversy, debate, refinement and correction

• Aspects of the history of Britain, Continental Europe and the wider world from around 1500 to the twentieth century

• The use and value of relevant concepts and theories

Cognitive skills

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

• Read critically and think logically

• Evaluate evidence and distinguish between objective knowledge, hypotheses and opinions

• apply such knowledge and understanding and other cognitive skills to the solution of problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature

• Synthesise information and ideas obtained from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including written and visual sources

Practical and/or professional skills

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

• Undertake research: seek out, collect and systematically select relevant information, using information literacy

• Present historical discussion inappropriate language using the scholarly apparatus (according to conventions within the discipline) that provides proper acknowledgement of relevant work by other scholars.

Key skills

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

• Communicate your ideas effectively both orally and in writing in ways that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the discipline

• Collaborate with others and participate in group discussion

• Study and learn independently: including planning and executing a study programme

• Use feedback to improve performance in the academic context

• Read and synthesise substantial amounts of material.

This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• Stage 1 consists of an introductory module in the arts and humanities followed by beginning your study of history.
• Next, in Stage 2, you will take two compulsory history modules, one focusing on Europe in the early modern period and the other focusing on the British Isles from 1789 to 1914.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)
• Revolutions (A113)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)
• 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 will provide you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and are greatly valued by employers. Broadly summarised these are critical thinking, analysis, and communication. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, and develop an ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information when constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, and are highly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing careers.

Career relevance

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

• In cultural and creative industries

• Education

• Public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services

• Advertising, journalism, publishing, and public relations

• 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.