Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Music

The diploma provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

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

• Scholarly approaches to the study of music
• A broad and substantial repertory of music, including some works and performances studied in depth
• The key terms, contexts and notational practices relating to Western and some non-western music
• Some of the principal concepts, theories and analytical procedures used in the study of music and sound.
• The technologies by which music has been produced, manipulated, disseminated, stored, and transmitted.

Cognitive skills

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

• Listen to music accurately and critically, read critically, and think logically.
• Communicate sophisticated ideas about music using appropriate vocabulary and style.
• deploy, read, and interpret a range of musical notations.

Practical and/or professional skills

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

• Present the results of a study in an appropriate manner and several media, including writing and musical notation.
• Make and notate music in a range of representative repertoires or styles.

Key skills

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

• Study and learn independently. Assess tasks and make plans across a programme of work and be able to reflect on, plan, and use time strategically to fulfil those tasks.
• Write clearly about music and sound using appropriate terminology.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by one module from a choice of two.
• At Stage 2 you’ll study two compulsory modules which will introduce you to the principles of music and using music technology.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll start your diploma with:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)

You'll complete Stage 1 with one from:

• Revolutions (A113)
• Cultures (A112)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Understanding music (A234)
• Music, sound and technology (A232)

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 music will provide you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and which are greatly valued by employers. Broadly summarised these are critical thinking, analysis, collaborative working, communication, and expertise in working with abstract structures and processes. You will 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

The study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of musical repertoire and practice explored, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the Diploma of Higher Education in Music relevant to a wide range of careers, including:

• The 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.