Diploma of Higher Education - Health Sciences

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills. Read the detailed learning outcomes here

In this diploma, you'll study the essential scientific concepts underpinning the function of the human mind and body; the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability; and the maintenance and improvement of health in different populations.

Key features

• Explores health and disease from a multidisciplinary, evidence-based perspective
• Uses innovative online collaborative and virtual experiences to develop science practical skills
• Develops a wide range of transferable skills
• Builds a solid foundation for further study

Modules

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

• In Stage 1, youll study two 60-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, youll study two 30-credit modules and one 60-credit module.

There are no formal entry requirements; however, youll need some basic maths skills, as well as the ability to read and write to a good standard of English. Throughout the application process we will work with you to understand if this is the right course for you.

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

30/09/2024

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Details relating to this course will be updated by the end of May. However, you should expect to be at the university centre for 5 hours per week. Typically we estimate that studying at full time intensity takes the average student between 32-36 hours a week. Some students take less time, some students take more. You will manage this study independently using the OU online systems and finding a study plan that works for you. In addition to this independent study, you will be expected to attend the mandatory face to face sessions at the college for half day a week. Attendance at these sessions is linked to your eligibility for student maintenance loan funding. In regards to student finance, this course is considered a full-time programme and therefore you will be eligible for a maintenance loan.

Fee information

What qualification will I achieve?

Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences. Your qualification and certificate will be from The Open University

How is my course assessed?

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

• Youll 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 wont usually have an exam.

How will I study this course?

Through this collaborative provision arrangement between the OU and the College of West Anglia, you will be both an OU and a UcWA student. With the OUs unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

The college will deliver a half day of face to face activity each week to support your online learning materials. The weekly delivery plan will be available at enrolment, but will typically consist of:

• group tutorials tailored to student need, such as research skills, systems and procedures, time management, and essay writing
• group sessions related to the weeks topic on your OU study planner
• tutor drop-in sessions for individual support
• student self-study

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 tutors contact details

As a UcWA students you will also be able to access to face to face support from to enhance the learning experience as well as access to onsite facilities.

Youll have some assessment deadlines to meet and weekly mandatory half day sessions to attend, but otherwise, youll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

Expectations of study

Typically we estimate that studying at full time intensity takes the average student between 32-36 hours a week. Some students taken less time, some students take more. You will manage this study independently using the OU online systems and finding a study plan that works for you.

In addition to this independent study, you will be expected to attend the mandatory face to face sessions at the college for half day a week. Attendance at these sessions is linked to your eligibility for student maintenance loan funding. In regards to student finance, this course is considered a full-time programme and therefore you will be eligible for a maintenance loan.

The course team

The course team includes a mixture of specialist scientists who have experience in the subjects they are delivering as well as suitable industrial and research experience.

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, youll have access to the OU subject-specific Student Support Teams. Theyll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, youll also have access to:

• our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
• other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
• the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
• free Microsoft Office 365 software
• IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Terms and changes to programmes

Every effort to ensure the information on this page is accurate, however there may be scenarios where the college is required to amend or alter aspects of the programme, college provision or delivery. Should this occur after you have accepted a place at the college, you will be consulted and agreement sought. You will be entitled to withdraw from any obligations to the college, and where relevant receive any refund or compensation, as per your Conditions of registration (Collaborative Provision) and the Student Protection Plan of the relevant validating awarding organisation. More information is available on our Terms page.