ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - YOUR 2020/2021 PROSPECTUS - The Open University
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YOUR 2020/2021 ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PROSPECTUS
FREE YOUR AMBITION
EXPLORE THE OU Achieve your goals with The Open University 3 Five reasons why you should choose us 4 What you need to get started 5 What you can study 6 Learn in a way that suits you 7 Welcome to engineering, design and technology 8 Boost your confidence with an Access module 10 How you build your qualification 12 How long your qualification will take 14 Fees and funding 16 FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE Undergraduate courses 19 FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE Postgraduate courses 37 BEFORE YOU GO Other useful information 48 Get in touch BACK COVER
2
Whatever your ambition –
whether you dream of
EXPLORE THE OU
becoming a professional
in the field of engineering,
design and technology, or
want to boost your knowledge
and skills – we’re here to help
make it happen.
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
We’re pioneers in distance learning. Since we
were founded, we’ve helped more than two million 78%
of FTSE 100 companies
people realise their potential. Our unique approach have sponsored
to learning means you don’t have to put your life employees on
on hold to get the qualification you want. OU courses
We will: You can expect:
‒ help you get a qualification ‒ materials that are designed
to suit you and your goals with you in mind
‒ provide you with the ‒ continuous innovation – we’ve
teaching and learning been leading the way in distance
resources you’ll need learning for over 50 years,
ensuring education is accessible,
‒ offer a flexible learning
whatever your circumstances
experience based around
you and your life ‒ access to world-class resources,
whenever you need them
‒ use technology and teaching
methods that enhance your ‒ qualifications that are respected
study experience by employers the world over.
‒ be there to support you
every step of the way.
3
FIVE REASONS
WHY YOU
SHOULD
1.
We’re open to you.
CHOOSE US We make learning
available to all,
regardless of
background, age
or additional
learning needs.
2.
You can study
3.
We guarantee
around your existing outstanding value
commitments. We’re and a high-quality
experts in helping education at a
people fit their studies competitive price.
around their busy lives.
4.
Our qualifications
5.
You get more than
enable you to put a highly respected
what you learn into qualification. You’ll be able
practice immediately. to show you’re dedicated
and committed – personal
qualities that are valued
in the workplace.
4
EXPLORE THE OU
WHAT YOU NEED
TO GET STARTED
Where you start in life You can do it What you need
shouldn’t limit where you The main reason we’re called There are just a couple of
The Open University is that we’re things that you’ll need to
go. If you’re determined open to everyone. Every year, be able to study with us.
to succeed and prepared we help thousands of people
‒ A computer with internet access.
to work hard, we can help achieve extraordinary things.
But don’t worry if you haven’t
you get started. ‒ There are no formal academic got access to one right now
entry requirements for most – you could receive financial
The next few pages will tell you of our undergraduate courses. support to help you buy one.
more about how studying with For some qualifications,
‒ A good grasp of the English
The Open University works, the you may need to be in
language. We teach all our
courses you can study, the funding relevant employment.
courses in English. If you’re not
available to you, and how long your
‒ We helped over 24,000 students sure your English is at the right
qualification will take.
with disabilities and additional level, go to openuniversity.co.uk/
needs last year alone. englishlanguage for help
and guidance.
‒ Our students are diverse. Of our
new undergraduate students,
34% are under 25. Our oldest
students are in their nineties.
Have you studied before?
If you’ve studied at higher education level before, you might be
able to count it towards your OU qualification. This can cut down
the modules you’ll need to study, saving you time and money.
If you tell us what you’ve done, we’ll do the rest.
Go to openuniversity.co.uk/credit-transfer.
5
WHAT YOU CAN STUDY
We offer over 200 highly respected qualifications to help you reach your goals.
You can study towards a degree or start with a certificate or diploma of higher
education and build on your studies as you go.
Undergraduate Postgraduate We’ll give you:
Integrated masters degree Masters degree ‒ the flexibility to fit study
Add value to undergraduate Study modules towards an around your other
study by combining it with internationally respected commitments
work at postgraduate level. qualification while gaining
‒ the opportunity to
specialist academic,
Named degree improve your career
professional or technical skills.
Complete modules in a specific
‒ freedom to follow your
subject to earn an honours degree Postgraduate diploma
passions in depth.
and open doors to a new interest Work towards a widely recognised
or career. qualification. A postgraduate To find out more about how you
diploma is equivalent to two-thirds build your qualifications and how
Open degree
of a masters degree. long it takes, see pages 12–15.
Design an honours degree from
across a mix of subjects to suit Postgraduate certificate
your needs and interests. Ideal for professional and career
development, this is the first step
Diploma of higher education
towards a masters degree as well
Expand your knowledge
as being a valuable qualification
and improve your skillset
in its own right.
in a specialised area.
Foundation degree
Focus on a subject area related
to what you’re doing now, in
either a work or voluntary setting.
Certificate of higher education
Get a general grounding or improve
your understanding of a subject area.
Find the course to
match your ambition
If you don’t know which
type of course is right for
you, discover more about
the qualifications we offer
on our website. Go to
openuniversity.co.uk/
course-types.
6
EXPLORE THE OU
LEARN IN A WAY
THAT SUITS YOU
You’ll have the flexibility Pioneering technology Do you have additional
study needs?
to fit study around the We’ve been using innovative
technology to connect with We’re committed to helping
other things going on our students since we first students with disabilities and
in your life, whatever started. Examples include our additional needs. We’ll give you
they may be. online tutorials and module the tools to help overcome
forums. We’ll make sure that obstacles that could stand
you always have what you in the way of your learning –
Distance learning need, and feel connected. whatever your needs may be.
with the OU
We’ve designed our learning Connect with Disabled Students’ Allowance
experience to combine flexibility other students (DSA) – UK residents only
and regular contact. We’ll give you You can use our module discussion A DSA can help you with study
the help you need to learn in the groups to talk about subjects, costs that result directly from
best possible way. You’ll get regular course work or study methods. your disability or specific learning
support from tutors and access to difficulty. They’re not means-tested
all the materials and resources You can also connect with us
and can go towards specialist
essential to your course. on social media or join one of
equipment (such as an adapted
the many informal Facebook
You’ll also have access to student computer), non-medical study
groups set up by students.
support teams, who’ll be there to support (e.g. a dyslexia support
help you on your learning journey. worker) or other related expenses.
Students association You can also apply for help with
How you’ll be assessed You’ll become a member of our study-related travel costs that
active students association when result directly from your disability.
You could be assessed in a you register. You can help influence
variety of different ways For more information, go to
University decisions, meet fellow
depending on your choice of openuniversity.co.uk/disability
students and develop new skills.
course. We use a combination or call us on 0300 303 5303.
of written assignments, oral or Find out more at
practical assessments, projects, openuniversity.co.uk/ousa.
examinations, dissertations Or join the conversation on
and portfolios. Facebook.com/OUstudents
Your assessments will occur Twitter.com/OUstudents
at set points during your course. Instagram.com/OUstudentslive.
For more information on how
you’ll be assessed, go to
openuniversity.co.uk/assessment.
What’s it like to study with The Open University?
To find out more about distance learning, the OU study experience
and how we’ll support you throughout your studies, go to
openuniversity.co.uk/learning.
7
WELCOME TO ENGINEERING,
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Innovating for a better future
A career in engineering, design or technology can be immensely stimulating
and rewarding. Whatever level higher education qualification you’re looking
for, you’ll find that our courses are the ideal foundation for your career.
Why study with us? Undergraduate Research and equipment
Through our teaching and research, We offer a range of accredited We’re one of the UK’s top materials
we aim to make significant impact degrees to help you progress to engineering research centres – our
on individuals, organisations and Engineering Council registration: work has benefitted the economy,
communities that need to design, including the Foundation Degree public safety, and society in general.
develop, build and manage in Engineering, the Bachelor of You’ll learn from relevant and
complex systems involving Engineering (Hons), a Top-up up-to-date teaching materials
technologies of all kinds. We seek Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and created by the academics
to transform lives by making STEM the Integrated Master of Engineering. responsible for this ground-
(science, technology, engineering breaking research. If you’re thinking
We’re the leading distance-learning
and mathematics) education of taking one of our engineering
higher education provider of design
available to as many people as courses, as an Open University
courses in the UK. We offer a
possible and contributing to student, you’ll get a taste of doing
Diploma and Certificate of Higher
reducing the UK’s STEM skill engineering research by operating
Education, and a BA or BSc (Hons)
shortage. We’re proud that our research-grade equipment
Design and Innovation, as well as a
students express high satisfaction remotely and gathering and
BSc (Hons), Diploma and Certificate
with their study experience and analysing your own data through
of Higher Education in Computing
graduates are equipped with our exciting and innovative
& IT and Design.
the knowledge and skills to work OpenEngineering Lab. For some
in STEM-focused occupations. qualifications, you’ll also carry out
Postgraduate mini practical research projects
At postgraduate level, our MSc in in small teams at our week-long
Engineering will help you progress residential schools. To find out
to register as a Chartered Engineer. more about our research, go to
Our other postgraduate openuniversity.co.uk/ouresearch.
qualifications include masters
degrees in technology management,
systems thinking in practice, and
environmental management.
8EXPLORE THE OU
The OU Women in Engineering initiative has made
a big difference to my experience of the course.
They’ve not only provided opportunities to attend
and contribute to great conferences, but enthusiastically
supported student-led initiatives like the Women
in Engineering OU Student Society.
Caz Ingram,
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
Women in engineering Professional recognition Beyond graduation
We actively support women to Our engineering qualifications The scope of career options for
study and progress into careers are accredited by the Institution students studying design or
in engineering. The School of of Engineering and Technology engineering is extensive and these
Engineering and Innovation is and the Institution of Engineering graduates are often employed as
proud to hold an Athena SWAN Designers. We are seeking managers, directors or senior officials
bronze award, recognising our extensions to our accreditations in professional, associate professional
commitment to gender equality with the Charted Institution of and technical occupations. There is a
and advancing the career Building Services Engineers and the wealth of opportunity awaiting STEM
aspirations of all its students. Institution of Mechanical Engineers. graduates, whose skills are in high
The School works closely with demand – currently many employers
Our MSc in Engineering fulfils
the Women’s Engineering Society struggle to fill STEM vacancies due
the educational requirements for
(WES) as an Education Partner, to a lack of skilled candidates.
registration as a Chartered Engineer
giving our female students when presented with an accredited The demand for STEM graduates is
free membership of WES. This Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) being driven by new technologies,
partnership enables students to (Hons), including ours, as does and graduates can find employment
access a network of professional our Master of Engineering on across a whole range of
women engineers, to attend a its own. Our BEng (Hons) meets manufacturing and service
variety of events such as the annual the educational requirements industries, from food and fashion to
WES Student Conference, and for registration as an construction, transport and medical.
benefit from the WES newsletter Incorporated Engineer. Engineering is also central to the
and quarterly journal The Woman growth of the low-carbon economy,
Our BSc (Hons) Design and
Engineer. We also have a lively WES with huge growth in renewable
Innovation is recognised for
student group, organised and run energy, from both a production
membership of the Institution
by current students, that provides management side but also
of Engineering Designers.
a supportive community and research and innovation. Robotics, AI
information about events and Our Postgraduate Environmental development and digital applications
activities relevant to women Management programme are also rapidly developing areas
in engineering. is accredited by the Institute feeding into the work spectrum
of Environmental Management that skilled STEM graduates will
We celebrate International Women
& Assessment. find themselves able to apply to.
in Engineering Day with events
such as a free one-day conference, Our MSc and Postgraduate
which enables students and staff to Diploma in Environmental
meet each other and gain insights Management are accredited by
into various engineering sectors. the Chartered Institution of Water
and Environmental Management.
MORE ONLINE
Learn more about our engineering,
design and technology qualifications,
and register for your chosen course
Visit openuniversity.co.uk/
courses
9BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
WITH AN ACCESS MODULE
An Access module is a An Access module builds Your Access module materials
your confidence by are a blend of printed and online
great place to start if you helping with things like: resources. You’ll engage with the
want a gentle introduction ‒ refreshing your study skills
materials to complete tasks such
to Open University study. as online quizzes and tutor-marked
‒ using computers assignments. At the end, you’ll
It can also help you find out demonstrate your learning
‒ introducing you to a range
more about your interests of subjects related to your by completing a final written
assignment. There’s no exam.
and where you want your area of interest
learning to take you. ‒ finding out if OU study Access modules start every
suits you and your life. February and October and last
We’re different to other universities for 30 weeks. Each week requires
because we’re open to people around nine or ten hours of study
How it works
based on their potential rather and it’s up to you how you organise
than their prior qualifications. Our You’ll have a dedicated tutor, that time, giving you the flexibility
students come from a diverse range who’ll provide academic support to fit study around your life.
of academic backgrounds, so we via email and regular one-to-one
offer a choice of starting points telephone tutorials. Your Student What you need
depending on how confident you Support Team will be on hand to
help with everything else, including We’ll set you up with access to your
are in your study skills. You can module website and make sure
either dive straight in with an OU careers advice, fees and funding,
administrative support, and your books and other printed
level 1 module, or you might prefer materials are posted out to you.
a gentler start with some extra study-related guidance.
All you need is:
preparation, in which case,
an Access module is ideal. ‒ a phone
‒ a computer with
internet access.
What you can study Science, technology and build your confidence and prepare
maths Access module (Y033) you for more OU study.
The following Access module will
prepare you for the qualifications Grow your knowledge in a range We offer two other Access
we offer in engineering, design of technical subjects, including modules, which are more
and technology. science; engineering and design; relevant to other subject areas:
environment; mathematics;
Arts and languages
and computing and IT. As the
Access module (Y031)
foundation for further studies in
these fields, this module will help People, work and society
Access module (Y032)
10EXPLORE THE OU
Do you qualify for a free Access module?
You can study an Access How much does an Students who start
module for free if you: Access module cost? with an Access module
‒ live in the UK (excludes If you don’t qualify to study are more likely to be
Channel Islands and Isle for free, the cost depends
of Man) or have a British on where you live. SUCCESSFUL
Forces Post Office address when they advance
‒ In England, the Channel Islands
‒ are studying the module and the Isle of Man it’s £774. to OU level 1 study
as part of an OU qualification
‒ In Northern Ireland, Scotland
(this doesn’t apply if you
and Wales it’s £258.
live in Scotland)
‒ have a household income You can pay up front by debit or
(or, in Scotland, a personal credit card, or by bank transfer.
income) of £25,000 or less, or Or spread the cost with an Open
you receive qualifying benefits University Student Budget Account
– see page 17 for more information.
‒ have completed less
than one year of a full-time If you’re studying an Access module
undergraduate programme as part of an OU qualification and you
at FHEQ or CQFW level 4/ live in England, Wales or Northern
SCQF level 7 or above, and Ireland, you could cover the cost
not completed 30 credits with a student loan – see page 16
or more of OU study. for more information.
The Access module really helped equip
me with the skills and confidence I needed
to go on and study at degree level.
NEXT STEPS
Tim Walker, Order an Access
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) LLB Modules Prospectus
or speak to our Student
Recruitment team
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/ug-access
Call 0300 303 0069
11HOW YOU BUILD
YOUR QUALIFICATION
Undergraduate students
Access module
You’ll need to build up a set number An optional module to build
your confidence and prepare
of credits to gain your qualification. you for further study.
Here’s how it works.
Stages To complete Stage 1, you’ll
‒ Complete one stage for a certificate of higher need 120 credits, studying modules
education, two stages for a diploma of higher worth 30 or 60 credits.
Stage 1
education or foundation degree, and three
stages to gain an honours degree.
‒ To complete each stage, you must build 120 credits
up a set number of credits.
Certificate of higher education
Credits
‒ You need 120 credits to complete
each stage.
‒ You need a set number of credits
To complete Stage 2, you’ll
to gain your chosen qualification
need a further 120 credits, studying
e.g. you need 360 credits to gain
modules worth 30 or 60 credits.
an honours degree.
Stage 2
‒ You gain credits by successfully
completing modules. 240 credits
Modules
Diploma of higher education
‒ With each module you successfully
or foundation degree
complete, you’ll earn a set number
of credits, either 30 or 60.
‒ Modules are either compulsory or
selected from a choice of options.
To complete Stage 3, you’ll
‒ You choose the modules you want need a further 120 credits, studying
to study, year by year. modules worth 30 or 60 credits.
Stage 3
360 credits
Honours degree
Our integrated masters degree has four stages.
See page 20 for further details.
12EXPLORE THE OU
Postgraduate students
You gain a postgraduate
qualification by building
up a set number of credits.
Credits
You need: 60 credits at postgraduate level.
‒ 60 credits to gain a postgraduate certificate
‒ 120 credits to gain a postgraduate diploma
‒ 180 credits to gain a masters degree. Postgraduate certificate
You gain credits by successfully
completing modules.
Modules
‒ With each module you successfully A further 60 credits at postgraduate
complete, you’ll earn a set number level – total 120 credits.
of credits, usually 15, 30 or 60.
‒ Modules are either compulsory
or selected from a choice of options. Postgraduate diploma
‒ You choose the modules you
want to study, year by year.
Getting started
All you need to do is choose which A further 60 credits at postgraduate
qualification you want to study and level – total 180 credits.
register on a module that counts
towards that qualification. You can
find out more about the postgraduate
Masters degree
qualifications we offer in engineering,
design and technology from page 37.
13HOW LONG YOUR
QUALIFICATION WILL TAKE
We give you the flexibility to choose the amount you want to study each year.
This way, you get the qualification you want in a timeframe that’s right for you.
Undergraduate qualifications
Most of our students study part time, taking 60 credits a year. That’s like studying
at half the rate of a full-time course at a traditional university. If you want to
complete your study at a full-time rate, you’ll need to study 120 credits per year.
Part time | 60 credits a year | 16–18 study hours a week
Certificate of higher
education (120 credits)
Diploma of higher
education/Foundation
degree (240 credits)
Honours degree
(360 credits)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Years to complete
Full time | 120 credits a year | 32–36 study hours a week
Certificate of higher
education (120 credits)
Diploma of higher
education/Foundation
degree (240 credits)
Honours degree
(360 credits)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Years to complete
Some qualifications follow a different pattern of study. See individual descriptions for more information.
14Postgraduate qualifications
EXPLORE THE OU
Find out more
The time it will take to complete your qualification depends on
how it’s structured and the number of credits required. All of our For more information on
postgraduate courses are offered as part-time study and the usual finding time to study, and to
timescales for individual module completion are shown below. use our time planner tool, go to
openuniversity.co.uk/time.
‒ 15–30 credit module – typically five months.
‒ 60 credit module – typically nine months.
Part time | 60 credits a year | 16–20 study hours a week
Postgraduate certificate
(60 credits)
Postgraduate diploma
(120 credits)
Masters degree
(180 credits)
0 1 2 3
Years to complete
Some qualifications follow a different pattern of study. See individual descriptions for more information.
15FEES AND FUNDING
We believe cost shouldn’t Funding – England Funding – Northern Ireland
and Wales
be a barrier to achieving You could be eligible for a Part-Time
The best way to fund your studies, Fee Grant of up to £1,230 a year to
your potential. That’s regardless of age or income, help towards your fees. The amount
why our tuition fees might be with a student loan depends on your household income
are among the most from Student Finance England and the rate at which you study.
or Student Finance Wales. It’s If you’re not eligible for the grant,
competitive in the UK. the most popular way to pay. or if it doesn’t cover the full cost
And we’ll always help you of your tuition fees, you can pay in
Key facts full or in part using an alternative
find a way of paying that ‒ Repayments only start payment method, such as a
suits your circumstances. when your salary exceeds Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan.
the income threshold
(£26,575 from April 2020). Funding – Scotland
For undergraduate
‒ Repayments are deducted If your personal income is £25,000
You’ll pay on a module-by-module automatically from your salary. or less, or you’re on certain benefits,
basis, rather than for your whole ‒ You can pay off the loan and you’re studying at least 30
qualification up front. See below early without any penalties. credits, you could qualify for a
to get an idea of costs. ‒ Any balance outstanding after Part-Time Fee Grant and top-up
30 years will be written off. funding to cover 100% of your
LIVING IN ENGLAND
course fees. It isn’t a loan and you
CREDITS COST EXAMPLE REPAYMENT AMOUNTS won’t need to pay any of it back.
EACH YEAR PER YEAR1
INCOME EACH MONTHLY
30 £1,548 YEAR BEFORE TAX REPAYMENT3 Study support and
Up to £26,575 £0
discretionary funds
60 £3,096
If your annual income is less than
120 £6,192 £28,000 £10.68 £25,000, you might be eligible for
£34,000 £55.69 additional means-tested funding for
1
2020/21 prices; fees normally increase study-related costs, such as travel,
annually in line with inflation and the £49,000 £168.19 childcare and internet access.
University’s strategic approach to fees.
In England, the cost for a 360-credit 3
Repayments are based on what you Self-funded study
honours degree based on today’s earn, not what you owe. You’ll repay
prices is £18,576.
9% of what you earn over £26,575. You can pay using a debit or credit
For example, if you earn £28,000,
card, or by bank transfer. Or spread
you’ll repay £128.25 that year (9% of
LIVING IN NORTHERN IRELAND, £1,425). That’s just over £10 per month. the cost with an Open University
SCOTLAND OR WALES Student Budget Account – see
Already have a degree? opposite for more information.
CREDITS COST
EACH YEAR PER YEAR2 You might still qualify for a student
loan. You need to be living in Get sponsored
30 £516 England or Wales and looking See whether your employer
60 £1,032 to study an eligible qualification. would help you learn and
develop. It’s always worth asking.
For more information, go to
120 £2,064
openuniversity.co.uk/quals.
2
2020/21 prices (exceptions apply); fees
normally increase annually in line with Maintenance
inflation and the University’s strategic
approach to fees.
support – Wales
New students in Wales studying MORE ONLINE
In Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Wales, the cost for a typical part time towards a qualification Find out more about
360-credit honours degree based can also apply for maintenance undergraduate fees
on today’s prices is £6,192. grants, worth up to £4,500 a and funding
year, to help with living costs.
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/ug-fees
Call 0300 303 5303
16EXPLORE THE OU
For postgraduate Key facts Get sponsored
‒ The support is made up of See whether your employer would
You pay for postgraduate
grants and loans and is want to help you learn and develop.
qualifications module by module.
worth up to £17,489. It’s always worth asking.
Please go to our website to see the
total fee listed for your qualification. ‒ All eligible students will receive
a non-repayable grant of £1,000,
rising to a maximum of £6,885,
Funding – England
depending on household income.
You could be eligible for a ‒ Loan repayments only start when
maintenance loan of up to £11,222 MORE ONLINE
you earn more than the income
from Student Finance England. threshold (currently, £21,000). Find out more about
To be eligible you must: ‒ You’ll repay 6% of your income postgraduate fees
over the threshold – so, for example, and funding
‒ be under 60 years old
if you earn £25,000, you’ll repay Visit openuniversity.
‒ be resident in England
only £240 that year (6% of £4,000). co.uk/pg-fees
‒ be studying a masters degree That’s just £20 a month. Call 0300 303 5303
that can be completed in
no more than three years
Funding – Northern
‒ not currently have a masters Ireland and Scotland
degree or equivalent Open University
You could be eligible for a fee
‒ be studying your qualification Student Budget
loan of up to £5,500 from Student
from the beginning. Accounts Ltd
Finance Northern Ireland or the
Key facts (OUSBA)
Student Awards Agency Scotland.
When you enrol with us, you’ll
‒ Repayments only start when To be eligible you must be:
be offered the opportunity
you earn more than the income
‒ resident in Northern to pay your fees through a
threshold (currently, £21,000).
Ireland or Scotland loan from OUSBA.
‒ You’ll repay 6% of your income ‒ studying for an eligible OUSBA will pay your fees to
over £21,000 – so, for example, postgraduate qualification. The Open University, and you
if you earn £25,000, you’ll
Key facts repay OUSBA either in a single
repay only £240 that year (6% of
sum before your course starts –
£4,000). That’s just £20 a month. ‒ Repayments only start
in this case there’s no interest
‒ Payments are deducted when you earn more than the
– or in monthly instalments
automatically from your salary. income threshold (currently,
of up to a year – in this case,
£18,935 in Northern Ireland
‒ Any balance outstanding after interest does apply.
and £18,330 in Scotland).
30 years will be written off. ‒ You’ll repay 9% of your income The interest rate is fixed for
over the threshold – so, for example, the duration of the course
Funding – Wales if you earn £20,000 and live in (representative APR 5.1%).
New postgraduate students can Scotland, you’ll repay only £150.30 If you’re worried about
apply for financial support, made that year (9% of £1,670). That’s affordability or a poor credit
up of non-repayable grants and less than £13 a month. history, you can apply for a
top-up loans. ‒ Payments are deducted joint loan application with
To be eligible you must be: automatically from your salary. a third party e.g. partner,
sibling, friend, etc.
‒ resident in Wales Self-funded study
Find out more about OUSBA at
‒ studying for a masters degree You can pay using a debit or credit openuniversity.co.uk/ousba.
‒ under 60 years old. card, or by bank transfer. Or spread
the cost with an Open University As a responsible lender,
Student Budget Account – see OUSBA carries out
right for more information. affordability checks as part
of the application process.
17I AM...
JACK BROOKE
Jack always wanted to go I’d always wanted to get a degree in Studying with the OU is fantastic
order to progress in my career and as it fits around your life – it can be
to college or university but achieve my goals, but it took time challenging at times, but it’s very
didn’t want to go down for me to gain some perspective, achievable and definitely worth it.
the traditional route and and therefore I didn’t begin my Thanks to my studies I’ve been
higher education journey until able to secure a new job at a more
instead secured a job in a little bit later on in life. senior level.
the army. It was there that If I’d gone down the route of The Open University gave me the
his peers encouraged him attending a residential university, confidence and skills to pursue my
to study with the OU and it would have meant giving up the dream career. My advice to anyone
lifestyle that I’d gotten used to over considering further study would be
make his dream a reality. the past decade. It would have also to believe in the OU and believe in
meant not being able to reach my yourself, because it will take you far!
current professional level as quickly.
Jack Brooke,
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
18FIND AN
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
You can register for the ENGINEERING
2020/2021 academic
year for undergraduate Master of Engineering (M04) 20
qualifications from Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Q65) 22
18 March 2020.
Foundation Degree in Engineering (X11) 24
We’ve based the
Top-up Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Q78) 26
qualification start dates
on the first module(s) DESIGN
you can study as part
BA or BSc (Hons) Design and Innovation (Q61) 28
of your qualification.
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Design (Q67) 30
COMBINED STEM
BSc (Hons) Combined STEM (R28) 32
OPEN DEGREE
BA/BSc (Hons) Open (QD) 34
19ENGINEERING
MASTER OF
ENGINEERING
Our MEng fulfils the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status. It’s an
integrated masters degree that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Engineering is a creative and Why choose this Accreditation
analytical subject. You’ll develop qualification? The following professional
the skills, techniques, concepts and engineering institutions accredit
‒ Fulfils the Engineering Council’s
knowledge needed by professional our Master of Engineering on behalf
educational requirements for
engineers, underpinned by science of the Engineering Council for
Chartered Engineer status1.
and mathematics. The course has the purposes of fully meeting
a common core with a choice of ‒ Includes individual and team-
the academic requirements for
routes to suit your area of interest. based projects, plus four
registration as a Chartered Engineer:
You’ll work on real-life projects to residential schools.
create innovative solutions to ‒ Institution of Engineering
‒ Move to our Bachelor of
challenging problems. You’ll team Designers.
Engineering (Hons) if your
up with other students at residential aspirations change, even ‒ Institution of Engineering
schools and work on your after you’ve started. and Technology.
own projects.
‒ Choose from six specialist routes We are seeking extensions to our
and a broad engineering route. accreditations with the Chartered
Institution of Building Services
‒ Develop employability
Engineers and the Institution
skills, including personal
of Mechanical Engineers.
and professional
development planning.
1
Under UK-SPEC (UK Standard for
Professional Engineering Competence),
which sets out the requirements for UK
engineers to achieve professional status.
Accredited Programme
20FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Qualification structure AT A GLANCE
Our MEng has six specialist routes and a broad engineering Course code M04
route – you’ll choose one:
Total credits 480
– engineering management – materials and design
– environmental technologies – mechanical engineering Start dates
– energy and sustainability – modelling and applications Oct 2020
– broad engineering. Register by 10 Sep 2020
Compulsory
Engineering: origins, methods, context modules Apr 2021
(T192) (30 credits)
Stage 1 120 credits
Option Register by 11 Mar 2021
modules
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production Awarded Entry requirements
(T193) (30 credits) qualification ‒ No specific
requirements
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications ‒ Check you have the
(T194) (30 credits) necessary skills at
openuniversity.co.uk/
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 ready-for-engineering
(T176) (30 credits)
Assessment
Based on a mix of:
‒ Tutor-marked
Core engineering A
assignments
(T271) (30 credits)
Stage 2 120 credits
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
Core engineering B
‒ Residential school
(T272) (30 credits)
attendance and
participation
You’ll study 30 credits from your chosen specialist route,
‒ End-of-module
go to openuniversity.co.uk/m04 assessments
‒ Examinations
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2
(T276) (30 credits) Study duration
Part time: 8.5 years
Full time: N/A
Mode of study
Stage 3 120 credits
The learning materials
You’ll study 90 credits from your chosen specialist route, provided are a balance
go to openuniversity.co.uk/m04 of print and online
Electronic versions
of printed materials
available (e.g. PDF)
Managing technological innovation (T848) (30 credits) OR
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) (30 credits) Disc-based media
(e.g. DVD)
Online forum
The MEng individual project Compulsory
Stage 4 120 credits
(T460) (30 credits)
Collaborative work
Compulsory
You’ll study 60 credits from your chosen specialism,
go to openuniversity.co.uk/m04
Team engineering
(T885) (30 credits) MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
MASTER OF ENGINEERING and how to register
Visit openuniversity.
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. co.uk/m04
Call 0300 303 5303
21BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING (HONS)
This general engineering qualification fulfils the educational requirements for
Incorporated Engineer status. The combination of this degree and an accredited
MSc fulfils the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status.
Engineering is a creative and Why choose this Accreditation
analytical subject. You’ll develop qualification? The following professional
the skills, techniques, concepts and engineering institutions accredit our
‒ Fulfils the Engineering Council’s
knowledge needed by professional Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) on
educational requirements for
engineers, underpinned by science behalf of the Engineering Council for
Incorporated Engineer status1.
and mathematics. The course has the purposes of fully meeting the
a common core with a choice of ‒ Includes individual and team-
academic requirements for
routes to suit your area of interest. based projects, plus two
registration as an Incorporated
You’ll work on real-life projects residential schools.
Engineer and partly meeting the
to create innovative solutions to ‒ Move to our Master of academic requirements for
challenging problems. You’ll team Engineering if your aspirations registration as a Chartered Engineer:
up with other students at change, even after you’ve started.
residential schools and work ‒ Institution of Engineering
on your own projects. ‒ Choose from six specialist routes Designers.
and a broad engineering route.
‒ Institution of Engineering
‒ Develop employability and Technology.
skills, including personal
We are seeking extensions to our
and professional
accreditations with the Chartered
development planning.
Institution of Building Services
1
Under UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Engineers and the Institution
Professional Engineering Competence),
which sets out the requirements for UK of Mechanical Engineers.
engineers to achieve professional status.
Accredited Programme
22FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Qualification structure AT A GLANCE
Our BEng (Hons) has six specialist routes and a broad Course code Q65
engineering route – you’ll choose one:
Total credits 360
– electronics – environmental technologies
– energy and sustainability – mathematical methods Start dates
– engineering design – mechanical engineering Oct 2020
– broad engineering. Register by 10 Sep 2020
Compulsory
modules Apr 2021
Engineering: origins, methods, context
(T192) (30 credits) Option Register by 11 Mar 2021
modules
Entry requirements
Stage 1 120 credits
Awarded
qualification ‒ No specific
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production
(T193) (30 credits) requirements
‒ Check you have the
necessary skills at
openuniversity.co.uk/
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications
ready-for-engineering
(T194) (30 credits)
Assessment
Based on a mix of:
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1
‒ Tutor-marked
(T176) (30 credits) assignments
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
‒ Residential school
attendance and
Core engineering A participation
(T271) (30 credits) ‒ End-of-module
assessments
Stage 2 120 credits
‒ Examinations
Core engineering B
(T272) (30 credits) Study duration
Part time: 6.5 years
Full time: N/A
You’ll study 30 credits related to your chosen specialism,
go to openuniversity.co.uk/q65 Mode of study
The learning materials
provided are a balance
of print and online
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2
(T276) (30 credits)
Electronic versions
of printed materials
available (e.g. PDF)
Disc-based media
(e.g. DVD)
Online forum
Stage 3 120 credits
Compulsory
You’ll study 90 credits related to your chosen specialism,
go to openuniversity.co.uk/q65 Collaborative work
Compulsory
The engineering project
(T452) (30 credits)
MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS) and how to register
Visit openuniversity.
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. co.uk/q65
Call 0300 303 5303
23FOUNDATION DEGREE
IN ENGINEERING
This foundation degree Build on your existing skills Why choose this
and experience to support your qualification?
combines academic skills professional development plans.
‒ Tackle real-life problems
with the needs of your You’ll apply the study of
by applying your study of
workplace. Boost your engineering fundamentals to
engineering fundamentals.
the solution of real-life problems.
career if you’re working Topics include design, electronics, ‒ Develop your maths skills,
in an engineering-related energy, manufacturing, materials, key to the successful study
mechanics and structural analysis. of engineering.
job at a technical level.
It also develops your maths skills, ‒ Build on your existing skills
which are key to successful study and experience with two
of engineering. work-related modules.
‒ Gain a solid foundation for further
study, with the option to top up
to an honours degree.
Meet our academics
Aerospace, automotive and nuclear
industries all have components that cannot
be allowed to fail. Dr Foroogh Hosseinzadeh,
senior lecturer in Engineering, works with
these industries to ensure that critical Related qualification
components are as safe as can be.
Diploma of Higher Education
Find out more about Foroogh’s work at in Engineering (W11)
openuniversity.co.uk/fh. openuniversity.co.uk/w11
24FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Qualification structure AT A GLANCE
Compulsory
modules Course code X11
Option
Engineering: origins, methods, context Total credits 240
modules
(T192) (30 credits) Awarded
Start dates
qualification
Oct 2020
Register by 10 Sep 2020
Apr 2021
Register by 11 Mar 2021
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production
Stage 1 120 credits
(T193) (30 credits) Entry requirements
‒ There are no formal
entry requirements,
but you must be in
engineering-related
employment
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications ‒ Check you have the
(T194) (30 credits) necessary skills at
openuniversity.co.uk/
ready-for-engineering
Assessment
Based on a mix of:
Engineering at work ‒ Tutor-marked
(T198) (30 credits) assignments
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
‒ End-of-module
assessments
‒ Examinations
Study duration
Part time: 4.5 years
Core engineering A Full time: N/A
(T271) (30 credits)
Mode of study
The learning materials
provided are a balance
of print and online
Core engineering B Electronic versions
Stage 2 120 credits
(T272) (30 credits) of printed materials
available (e.g. PDF)
Disc-based media
(e.g. DVD)
Online forum
You’ll choose 30 credits from a selection of modules, Compulsory
go to openuniversity.co.uk/x11
Collaborative work
Optional
Change, strategy and projects at work
(T227) (30 credits)
MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
FOUNDATION DEGREE IN ENGINEERING and how to register
Visit openuniversity.
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
co.uk/x11
are subject to change.
Call 0300 303 5303
25TOP-UP BACHELOR
OF ENGINEERING (HONS)
Top up your existing qualification to an honours degree. You can top up your
OU Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering
or an equivalent qualification from somewhere else.
Tailor your studies to suit your Why choose this Accreditation
background and previous study. qualification? The following professional
Develop your knowledge and engineering institutions accredit
‒ Progress from a vocational
skills and open up further career our Top-up BEng (Hons)1:
qualification to an honours
or educational opportunities.
degree. ‒ Chartered Institution of Building
Study choices include
communications, design, ‒ Choose modules to fit with Services Engineers.
electronics, environmental your previous study. ‒ Institution of Engineering
management, mathematics, ‒ Develop your analytical skills, Designers.
micro and nano technology, key to the successful study
structural integrity, and renewable ‒ Institution of Engineering
of engineering. and Technology.
energy. You’ll also complete an
individual engineering project. ‒ Prepare for further engineering 1
With a suitable prior qualification.
study at postgraduate level.
‒ Accredited by several of the
leading engineering institutions1.
Accredited Programme
26FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
AT A GLANCE
Course code Q78
Total credits 120
Start dates
Oct 2020
Register by 10 Sep 2020
Entry requirements
Our Foundation
Degree in Engineering
(X11) or Diploma of
Higher Education in
Engineering (W11), or an
equivalent qualification
from somewhere else
– approved by us and
completed within the
last 8 years
Assessment
Based on a mix of:
‒ Tutor-marked
assignments
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
‒ End-of-module
assessments
‒ Examinations
Qualification structure
This qualification begins at Stage 3 – your existing Study duration
qualification will make up Stages 1 and 2. Part time: 2–3 years
Option Full time: N/A
You’ll choose 90 credits from: modules
Compulsory Mode of study
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications module The learning materials
(T312) (30 credits) provided are mostly
Awarded
Engineering small worlds: micro and nano technologies qualification online with some print
(T356) (30 credits)
Electronic versions
Environmental management 2 (T319) (30 credits) of printed materials
Innovation: designing for change (T317) (60 credits) available (e.g. PDF)
Stage 3 120 credits
Renewable energy (T313) (30 credits)
Disc-based media
Structural integrity: designing against failure (T367) (30 credits) (e.g. DVD)
Communications technology (TM355) (30 credits)
Online forum
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327) (30 credits) Compulsory
Graphs, networks and design (MT365) (30 credits)
Collaborative work
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326) (30 credits) Compulsory
Optimization (M373) (30 credits)
The engineering project
(T452) (30 credits)
MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
and how to register
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS)
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/q78
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. Call 0300 303 5303
27DESIGN
BA OR BSc (HONS)
DESIGN AND INNOVATION
This general design degree focuses on developing creative design thinking
and practical work to address problems in every aspect of life, not just the
creative industries.
The design modules feature online Why choose this There are two routes through this
design studios, social networking qualification? qualification. There’s a Bachelor of
and inspiring study materials Arts (BA) route and a Bachelor of
‒ Build a portfolio of design work
alongside a significant practical Science (BSc) route. For each route,
to show your ideas and skills.
component. As well as design, we’ve identified themes to help you
you’ll study modules in ‒ Learn about several different plan your study – for details go to
complementary subjects, design specialisms. openuniversity.co.uk/q61.
gaining skills and knowledge ‒ Focus on the process
in an area that fits your needs and application of design and
and interests. innovation in real-world contexts.
‒ Recognised by the Institute of
Engineering Designers (IED).
Related qualifications
Diploma of Higher Education
in Design and Innovation (W73)
openuniversity.co.uk/w73
Certificate of Higher Education
in Design and Innovation (T37)
openuniversity.co.uk/t37
28FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Qualification structure AT A GLANCE
Compulsory Course code Q61
modules
Option Total credits 360
modules
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century
Stage 1 120 credits
(U101) (60 credits) Intermediate
Start dates
qualifications
Oct 2020
Awarded
Register by 10 Sep 2020
qualification
Feb 2021
Register by 14 Jan 2021
You’ll choose 60 credits from a selection of modules, Entry requirements
go to openuniversity.co.uk/q61 No specific requirements
– you don’t need a
portfolio or grades
to get onto the course
Certificate of Higher Education in Design
Assessment
and Innovation (T37)
Based on a mix of:
‒ Tutor-marked
assignments
‒ End-of-module
assessments
‒ Examinations
Design essentials
Stage 2 120 credits
(T217) (60 credits) Study duration
Part time: 6 years
Full time: 3 years
Mode of study
The learning materials
provided are a balance
You’ll choose 60 credits from a selection of modules, of print and online
go to openuniversity.co.uk/q61
Electronic versions
of printed materials
available (e.g. PDF)
Diploma of Higher Education in Design Disc-based media
and Innovation (W73) (e.g. DVD)
Online forum
Optional
Collaborative work
Optional
Innovation: designing for change
Stage 3 120 credits
(T317) (60 credits)
You’ll choose 60 credits from a selection of modules,
go to openuniversity.co.uk/q61
MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
and how to register
BA/BSc (HONS) DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/q61
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. Call 0300 303 5303
29BSc (HONS) COMPUTING & IT
AND DESIGN
This degree combines computing & IT and design. You’ll divide your time
equally between subjects. You’ll develop creative design thinking to address
computer-based technology problems.
We’ll introduce ideas relating to Why choose this
user-centred design, sustainable qualification?
design, and the design process.
‒ 50:50 split between computing
This will complement the skills
& IT and design.
and knowledge you develop in
computing and IT. And you’ll pick ‒ Choose from four options within
a computing and IT focus to fit the computing & IT strand.
your needs and interests. ‒ Accredited by BCS, the Chartered
Preparing you to contribute to Institute for IT.
the design of the digital electronic
devices of the future. ‒ Quality assured by the European
Quality Assurance Network for
Informatics Education (EQANIE).
Related qualifications
Diploma of Higher Education in
Computing & IT and Design (W42)
openuniversity.co.uk/w42
Certificate of Higher Education in
Computing & IT and Design (T13)
openuniversity.co.uk/t13
30FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
Qualification structure AT A GLANCE
Compulsory Course code Q67
modules
Introduction to computing and information technology 1
(TM111) (30 credits) Intermediate Total credits 360
qualifications
Stage 1 120 credits
Option
Start dates
modules
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 Oct 2020
Awarded
(TM112) (30 credits) Register by 10 Sep 2020
qualification
Feb 2021
Register by 14 Jan 2021
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century Apr 2021
(U101) (60 credits) Register by 11 Mar 2021
Entry requirements
No specific requirements
Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT
Assessment
and Design (T13)
Based on a mix of:
‒ Tutor-marked
assignments
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
You’ll choose a computing & IT focus area, studying 60 credits ‒ End-of-module
in: computer science; communications and networking; assessments
Stage 2 120 credits
software development; or web development. For more ‒ Examinations
information, go to openuniversity.co.uk/q67-citd
Study duration
Part time: 6 years
Full time: 3 years
Mode of study
Design essentials The learning materials
(T217) (60 credits) provided are mostly
online with some print
Electronic versions
of printed materials
Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT available (e.g. PDF)
and Design (W42)
Disc-based media
(e.g. DVD)
You’ll complete your studies in your computing & IT focus area, Online forum
choosing one from a selection of 30-credit modules. For more Optional
information, go to openuniversity.co.uk/q67-citd
Collaborative work
Stage 3 120 credits
Compulsory
Innovation: designing for change
(T317) (60 credits)
The computing and IT project MORE ONLINE
(TM470) (30 credits)
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
and how to register
BSc (HONS) COMPUTING & IT AND DESIGN
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/q67-citd
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. Call 0300 303 5303
31COMBINED
STEM
BSc (HONS) COMBINED STEM
This flexible degree combines science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM). Build your
own degree from a wide range of STEM modules and
study routes, including psychology and sports science.
Why choose this Degree holders
qualification? in England and Wales
‒ Choose modules from across If you’re looking to re-skill
STEM subjects or focus on one or up-skill in STEM subjects,
or two areas. you could still be eligible for a
student loan to fund this degree.
‒ Switch direction if your needs
or interests change. For more information, go to
openuniversity.co.uk/quals.
‒ Count university-level credits
you’ve gained from elsewhere.
32FIND AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
How you can focus your combined AT A GLANCE
STEM degree on engineering Course code R28
This selection of modules shows how you can focus on
engineering. Combine it with other STEM subjects that Total credits 360
you’re interested in.
Start dates
This is just one example of the many combinations you Oct 2020
can study, you’re not restricted to this route. Register by 10 Sep 2020
Engineering
modules Apr 2021
Engineering: origins, methods, context Register by 18 Mar 2021
(T192) (30 credits) Option
modules
Stage 1 120 credits
Awarded Entry requirements
qualification No specific requirements
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production
(T193) (30 credits) Assessment
Depending on the
modules you choose
to study, you may be
assessed in any or all
You’ll choose 60 credits from a wide range of the following ways:
of OU level 1 modules
‒ Tutor-marked
assignments
‒ Interactive computer-
marked assignments
‒ End-of-module
assessments
Core engineering A ‒ Examinations
(T271) (30 credits)
Study duration
Stage 2 120 credits
Part time: 6 years
Energy and sustainability (T213) (30 credits) OR Full time: 3 years
Design for engineers (T218) (30 credits)
Mode of study
As the BSc (Hons)
Combined STEM can
be made up of a range
You’ll choose 60 credits from a wide range of different modules,
the learning materials
of OU level 2 modules
provided, use of online
forums and inclusion of
collaborative work will
depend on the modules
you choose to study
Engineering small worlds: micro and nano technologies
(T356) (30 credits)
Stage 3 120 credits
Renewable energy
(T313) (30 credits)
You’ll choose 60 credits from a wide range
of OU level 3 STEM modules
MORE ONLINE
Find out more about this
course, fees and funding,
and how to register
BSc (HONS) COMBINED STEM
Visit openuniversity.
co.uk/r28
Qualification delivery, module availability and qualification structure
are subject to change. Call 0300 303 5303
33You can also read
