ba/bsc (honours) open degree

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BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree

Distance learning degree qualification

QUALIFICATION LEAFLET

With this degree you have the freedom and opportunity to achieve a uniquely tailored qualification. You can study any subjects you like, in any combination, enabling you to: tailor your degree around your interests and career enjoy the intellectual challenge of a wide variety of

disciplines let your mind take you where it leads try something completely new focus on one main subject, but have the freedom to mix in

modules from other areas use successfully completed credit from previous university-

level studies elsewhere change direction as your interests develop and your

horizons expand. Highly regarded by employers for its breadth and valued by students for its flexibility, an Open degree equips you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities that are much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market. It’s also fascinating, mind broadening and completely relevant – because it’s unique to you.

Career relevance and employabilityThe flexibility of the Open degree makes them relevant to a wide range of careers and industries. Many graduates choose to enter careers that are not directly related to the subject(s) they studied and this is reflected in the fact that around 70 per cent of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. What makes Open degree students stand out is the rich view of the world they develop, the perspectives they encounter and the range of skills they develop from having studied a diverse range of subjects.

Entry requirementsThere are no formal entry requirements to study thisdegree, although you will need to have a proficiency in English as all course material, exams and tutor support is in English.

Credit for previous study elsewhereIf you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Course durationTypically it takes six years part-time study to complete this qualification, but you can take anything from three (full-time study equivalent) to 16 years.

Modules and pathwaysAs part of your registration you can choose a pathway. Pathways are different sets of module options, allowing you to specialise in certain subjects to complete your degree.There is currently only one pathway for this qualification available to international students:

To complete your degree you need to achieve 360 credits; 120 credits at Stage 1, 120 at Stage 2, and 120 at Stage 3; with each module being 30-60 credits. Modules can be compulsory, in which case you must study them, or optional, in which case you can select the ones you prefer to study. To see full details of how you can choose from the modules listed overleaf please visit our website, www.openuniversity.edu

Qualification detailsOver 40 per cent of OU students who graduate do so with an Open degree. It’s a statistic we’re proud of – the BA/BSc Open is one of the most flexible undergraduate programmes in the UK, and exemplifies our distinctive and often life-changing approach to learning more than any other qualification.

1 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET

For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555

Standard pathway

For a full list of modules available, please refer to our website, www.openuniversity.edu.

Assessment keyEMA = End-of-module assessment iCMA = Interactive computer marked assessmentTMA = Tutor-marked assignment

Stage 1

The arts past and present (AA100)

Credits: 60 at Level 1

Assessment: 7 TMAs, 1 EMA

This broadly-focused course introduces you to university-level study in the arts across a range of subject areas - art history, classical studies, English, history, philosophy, music and religious studies. It is structured around four themes, in order to guide you through some of the basic concerns of arts subjects: Reputations; Tradition and Dissent; Cultural Encounters; and Place and Leisure. Your studies will range from poetry to string quartets, and from sculpture to short stories – across a wide variety of cultures and historical periods.

An introduction to business studies (B120)



This Level 1 course is the first in our degree in business studies and is the recommended introductory course in business studies. It explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, accounting and finance, and marketing. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.

The early years: developing practice (E100)



This Level 1 course is appropriate for practitioners currently working with young children aged between birth and seven years in public, private, voluntary and independent settings. You’ll cover a range of themes including how children develop and learn; their personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; literacy, mathematics; and their

understanding of the world.

Supporting learning in primary schools (E111)



This Level 1 course is appropriate for teaching and classroom assistants (paid or voluntary) working alongside teachers in primary schools, or if you’re working in a special school, hospital educational unit, or pupil referral unit where primary-aged children follow the National Curriculum. You’ll cover a range of themes including: the study of children’s learning; inclusive education; play and creativity; and English, maths and science.

My digital life (TU100)


Assessment: 6 TMAs, 7 iCMAs

While you’re learning about tomorrow's technology why not help create it? My digital life takes you on a journey from the origins of information technology through to the familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical technologies.

Engineering the future (T173)


Assessment: 5 TMAs, 1 Examination

From design concepts to the manufacture of products, this key introductory Level 1 course examines the range of human activity that is ‘engineering’. It introduces the context in which engineers operate – including issues such as product safety and patent law – and looks at current engineering practice.

Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)


Assessment: 5 TMAs, 1 Examination

This key introductory Level 1 course, packed with new learning innovation, will change your way of seeing and solving complex problems forever. Through a mix of academic and practical work you’ll develop an understanding of design, acquire new designing skills and build a portfolio of design projects as a strong foundation for future study or work experience. This online course looks at common principles of design and ways of thinking that lead to ideas and creative solutions.

Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)


Assessment: 7 TMAs

Our world is changing fast – we are experiencing pressure from climate change, growing demands for

Modules


BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree (QD) 2

www.OpenUniversity.edu



finite resources and the extinction of many plants and animals. Environment: journeys through a changing world introduces you to environmental studies and the issues arising from environmental change. It shows how people are seeking positive solutions to environmental challenges where you live, in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and China.

An introduction to health and social care (K101)


Assessment: 6 TMAs, 5 iCMAs, 1 Examination

We all depend on care services at some time in our lives – at home; in hospitals, clinics or GP surgeries; in community and residential settings. This key introductory Level 1 course provides an authoritative overview of health and social care, with real-life case studies taking you deep into the experience of receiving care and working in care services.

Rundblick: beginners' German (L193)


Assessment: 4 TMAs, 4 iCMAs, 1 EMA

This key introductory Level 1 course – Rundblick: beginners' German – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple German in everyday contexts. It explores life in German-speaking countries and communities worldwide through topics relevant to adult learners – such as impressions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland; travelling; lifestyles; cultural events; and technology.

Bon départ: beginners' French (L192)



This key introductory Level 1 course – Bon départ: beginners' French – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple French in everyday contexts. It explores life in France and introduces you to a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for French-speaking cultures too.

Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)



This key introductory Level 1 course – Portales: beginners’ Spanish – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple Spanish in everyday contexts. It takes you through a wide range of practical

situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out in Spanish-speaking countries.

Introducing the social sciences - part 1 (DD131)


Assessment: 4 TMAs

This key introductory Level 1 module provides an approachable and contemporary introduction to the disciplines and subjects that form the social sciences, as well as the questions and issues that social scientists investigate and explore. It tackles everyday issues in an appropriate way, so that you can build on what you already know and gain a solid grounding in study techniques and social science skills and debates.

Discovering psychology (DSE141)



Drawing on a wide range of studies and some classic pieces of psychological research, this key introductory Level 1 course provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the study of psychology. Discovering psychology explores the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and shows you how psychological research addresses real-life issues.

Introducing the social sciences (DD101)


Assessment: 7 TMAs

This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal introduction to the social sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology – through study of contemporary UK society. Using a blend of text, audio, DVD and online materials, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, including questions of society’s relationship to the environment, questions of identity and issues of social order and governance – all considered in their national and international contexts – that will equip you with a range of skills for independent study and for your personal and working life.

Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law (W100)



This key introductory Level 1 course introduces the study of law and legal skills. It begins by looking at how rules develop within a society and how laws (in effect legal rules) are made, interpreted, and applied. Then, it examines the concepts of legal personality, unlawful conduct and states of mind. You will explore civil and


criminal sanctions; issues raised by human rights legislation; and the concepts of rights and justice. Of particular interest as preparation for a law degree, the course also provides an excellent beginning if you wish to study other subjects. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.

Discovering mathematics (MU123)


Assessment: 5 TMAs, 5 iCMAs

This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling.

Using mathematics (MST121)


Assessment: 5 TMAs, 1 CMA, 1 Examination

The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems.

Exploring science (S104)


Assessment: 6 TMAs, 7 iCMAs, 1 Examination

This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal starting point for studying the natural sciences – astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry, earth and environmental science; and physics. Using a blend of text and online study materials, this wide-ranging course investigates the major scientific issues affecting human society in the twenty-first century. You will explore the fundamentals of modern science and develop important scientific concepts and skills to give you a solid foundation for studying science at a higher level.

Stage 2

120 credits free choice from any Level 2 module. See our qualifications section at www.openuniversity.edu for more information.

Stage 3

120 credits free choice from any Level 3 module. See our qualifications section at www.openuniversity.edu for more information.


3 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree (QD) 4





Can I study in any country?This course is not available in all countries. Please use the Course Finder menu at www.openuniversity.edu to see what courses are available in your country.

Is an OU qualification recognised in my country?An OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university. The University is subject to the same quality assurance procedures, through the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), as all other British universities, and uses external assessors and examiners to ensure comparability of standard and level in its courses.A leaflet is available on how you can apply for formal recognition in your country. To download the leaflet, please go to www.openuniversity.edu/brochures/recognition.pdf.

What tutor support will I receive?The OU excels in its unrivalled support for students. You’ll have email and online support from a tutor and you will be able to discuss your study in online tutor group discussions, using our customised learning environment. Our community websites Platform and OpenLearn offer a different perspective on your subject, and a huge range of OU resources on YouTube and iTunes U can expand your understanding. In addition, you can tap into a range of enthusiastic and welcoming OU social network groups on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Are there any entry requirements?For most undergraduate qualifications you don’t need any formal qualifications, or to pass an entry test to study with us. Our undergraduate qualifications are open to all because we believe anyone who is keen to succeed should have the opportunity to study.As part of the registration process, however, you will be asked to confirm your proficiency in English. (If you are unsure, you can take a short online test, which you will find when completing the online registration form.)

Can I count previous study towards an OU qualification?Any higher-education level studies you’ve successfully completed elsewhere may count towards your OU degree or other qualification. We enable you to do this by awarding you a certain amount of ‘transferred credit’. By transferring credit gained from previous study, you can reduce the amount you need from OU study to achieve your qualification. For more information please go to www.openuniversity.edu.

How do you work towards a qualification? We measure the size of our qualifications in credits – an honours degree is 360 credits, made up of three 120-credit stages.Each stage is made up of a number of modules which cover different parts of the subject. Modules are also measured in credits and are set at different ‘levels’. Levels give an indication of a module’s relative complexity and/or depth of learning. Most modules are worth either 30 or 60 credits and are set at Levels 1, 2 and 3, which roughly equates to studying in the first, second and third year at a campus-based university. So for a typical three-stage honours degree you would study: 120 credits at Stage 1, taking modules worth 30 or 60

credits at Level 1 120 credits at Stage 2, taking modules worth 30 or 60

credits at Level 2 120 credits at Stage 3, taking modules worth 30 or 60

credits at Level 3. In the example given above, each stage could consist of two 60-credit modules or one 60-credit module and two 30-credit modules, or four 30-credit modules.

How long does it take? Our qualifications are designed to be flexible. So if you want to vary the amount of time you spend studying, you can. The table below is a guide on the time required, but call us today to discuss how you can vary the study intensity and therefore the time taken to complete your course.

Undergraduate qualifications

Credits required

Time required to complete1

Certificate of higher education (Cert HE)

120 1 years full-time study or 2 years part-time study

Diploma of higher education (Dip HE)

240 2 years full-time study or 4 years part-time study

BA or BSc degree without honours

300 3 years full-time studyor 5 years part-timestudy

BA or BSc degree with honours

360 3-4 years full-time study or 6 years part-time study

How much will it cost?If you are studying with us for the first time our standard fee for 2012/2013 is £5,000 – based on 120 credits of study – which is equivalent to a year’s full-time study at

FAQs


BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree (QD)

a campus-based university. Of course you don’t have to study 120 credits a year and the price you pay will be proportionate to the standard fee. So, for example, if you only study 60 credits a year, you will pay 50 per cent of the standard fee.

Credit studied each year1

Percentage of standard fee

Cost per year

Time taken to complete a 360-credit honours degree

120 credits a year

100% £5,000 3 years full-time study

60 credits a year

50% £2,500 6 years part-time study

1For illustrative purposes only – in most cases you can vary the number of credits taken per year and therefore the time taken to complete the course. Please note: prices are subject to change. Visit our website or call us for latest details.

When can I start?To give you more opportunities to start, most qualifications have two intakes a year – October and February. To start in October 2013, for example, you need to register no later than 10th September 2013.

What payment options are there?Your payment options include spreading the cost over monthly instalments with our own affordable student budget account, OUSBA (for certain EU countries). For more information please go to www.open.ac.uk/ousba.

Can I meet and network with other students?Definitely – when you start with the OU you automatically become a member of the Open University Student Association (OUSA). OUSA also runs a popular student forum site. For more information, go to www.ousa.org.uk. Once you have gained your qualification, you can join the OU Alumni Association, our vibrant and active alumni community with 280,000 members worldwide. You will enjoy many membership benefits, including regular newsletters, good networking opportunities and access to the alumni website.

How is my privacy protected?When you register, we’ll tell you more about how we process and use your personal information.

When should I apply?Apply as early as you can – particularly if you wish to claim for credit for previous study. Registration open dates are shown in the Courses section at www.openuniversity.edu.


The support I got from my tutor was fantastic, and now the

degree will help me change career. Naomi Clarke, Open University student

QUALIFICATION LEAFLET5 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree (QD) 6



Go to www.openuniversity.edu, select the Courses section and the degree you require. You will then be asked to select a pathway to register. (Pathways are different selections of course modules to complete your degree.)

Alternatively call us on +44 845 241 6555.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to pay anything at this stage.

As soon as you have registered you’ll get an email confirmation which contains your login details.

What do I need to do next?

It takes just 2 simple steps.Begin the process to secure your place. Here's how easy it is.

Before you start studying you will need to choose and register on your first modules and arrange payment; instructions for this will be emailed to you. Once complete you will officially be an Open University student – welcome!


2. Choose your first module, make payment to enrol

1. Register now

BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree (QD)7 QUALIFICATION LEAFLET



The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).While we have done everything possible to make sure the information in this publication is accurate, it may change due to regulations or policy, or because of financial or other reasons.

Copyright © 2013 The Open University.

All details shown in this leaflet are correct as at February 2013, but are subject to change. Please call +44 845 241 6555 for the latest details.

ba/bsc (honours) open degree

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