This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and one 30-credit option module.
You’ll study four 30-credit modules in the order below – studying part-time.
You’ll study three 30-credit modules and choose one 30-credit option module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 14 March 2023.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- online learning events
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- working online in a group with other students
- using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- finding external/third party material online
- using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
- working with specialist reading material
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your diploma
- some modules require you to use specialist software
- some modules contain a compulsory practical element.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
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
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
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.
There are no formal entry requirements to study engineering.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Check you have the necessary skills with our self-assessed engineering quizzes.
How much time do I need?
Study intensity varies across this qualification – you’ll study some modules consecutively, and others you may study in parallel or overlap (increasing your weekly study hours).
Stage 1 comprises four modules (T192, T193, T194 and T176) that you must study in that order over two years.
- T192 and T193 are 30-credit modules studied over 21 weeks, so expect to study each for 14-15 hours per week. You must finish T192 before starting T193.
- T194 and T176 are 30-credit modules studied over 30–31 weeks, so expect to study each for 9-10 hours per week. You must finish T193 before starting T194.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
You’ll develop your knowledge, competence and skills, including: applying general engineering knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication; project management; turning concepts into reality. This diploma will give you the foundation of skills to provide solutions to engineering problems. These could involve using existing or developing new technologies and designs; refining production systems; or developing new services.
Career relevance
This diploma is a general engineering qualification but can be the foundation that provides entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles, including:
- Electronic engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Materials engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Production engineer
- Structural engineer
- Other roles within engineering management
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.