Diploma of Higher Education - Computing and IT

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

Key features

• Focus on communications and networking, computer science, software development or cyber security
• Enhances your employability
• 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 three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
• In stage 2, youll study four 30-credit modules

There are no formal entry requirements; however, youll need some basic knowledge of computing, and 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 spread over 12 months from the beginning of Oct to the end of Sept each year

When does this course start?

03/10/2024

How many hours / days per week is this course?

You will attend the university centre at King's Lynn each Thursday from 11am - 5pm. Attendance at these mandatory face to face 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. Times outside of this are scheduled for self-study, where you may use college resources including the computer suites at our university centre. The time required for your OU distance independent study will vary depending on the time of year and how modules you are studying at that point. Typically we estimate that studying a 30 credit module takes the average student between 8-10 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. As this course is spread over 12 months, the approximate hourly expectations will differ between 20-30 hours a week depending on whether you are studying 2 modules or 3 modules at the same time. This is in addition to the 6 hours a week face-face attendance each Thursday. For example, we estimate that in the first year: - October is 20 hours / week (TM111 & MU123), February to March is 30 hours/week (TM111, MU123, TM129) , April to May is 30 hours a week (TM129, TM112, MU123), June to September is 20 hours a week (TM112, TM129). This document provides more information on the course structure.

Fee information

What qualification will I achieve?

Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT. 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.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website .

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

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

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
• online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

As a UcWA students you will also be able to access to face to face support to enhance the learning experience as well as access to onsite facilities. In regards to student finance, this course is considered a full-time programme and therefore you will be eligible for a maintenance loan.

Other support and resource

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.

  The course team at UcWA

The teaching team at UcWA has been delivering degree level courses in Kings Lynn for approximately 20 years, as such have developed considerable experience explaining the complexities of Computer Science to undergraduates. The team consists of several specialists who have had industrial experience working as software developers, networking engineers and consultants in sectors such as business intelligence, manufacturing and retail, enabling them to relate the subjects covered to real world situations and applications.

Are there any additional costs?

Whilst there are no specific additional costs, students will require access to a suitable computer at home.

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.