Description
This qualification is only available until 31 December 2017.
To claim this qualification, you must complete the required 240 credits by this date.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification, please contact the Centre for Qualifications and Ceremonies on +44 (0)1908 653003 or by email.
Engineering is at the heart of the built environment, and plays a central role in every aspect of our working and personal lives – from electricity generation and transport networks to smartphones and bicycles. If you’re working in engineering-related employment at a technical level and would like to climb the career ladder, this diploma is for you. It applies the study of engineering fundamentals like energy, design, manufacturing, materials, mechanics and structural analysis, to the solution of real-life problems. It also supports you in personal development planning and work-related issues – such as health and safety and project management, building on your existing skills and experience. The DipHE in Engineering combines traditional academic skills with the needs of your workplace, and can be considered a step up from an apprenticeship. It also provides a route to an honours degree in engineering, or to our popular Open degree – paving the way to many new career opportunities.
This Diploma of Higher Education will be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland. The same programme of study is also offered as the Foundation Degree in Engineering (G17).
Planning your studies
We recommend that you start your studies with one of the two compulsory 30-credit Level 1 modules, either Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) or Engineering the future (T174) (now discontinued). Both modules include plenty of study skills support which will stand you in good stead as you progress through the degree.
If you are worried about your mathematical skills you may wish to consider studying the 30-credit module Discovering mathematics (MU123) before MST124. These credits can count towards the free choice element of this qualification.
Either in parallel with your first module or as soon as possible after you have begun study, you should register on Engineering at work (T198), the first of the work-based learning modules for this diploma.
In addition to these three compulsory Level 1 modules, you must also study the 60-credit Level 2 module Engineering: mechanics, materials, design (T207). We recommend that you study the second 30-credit work-based learning module, Change, strategy and projects at work (T227), as your final module.
Along the way you can choose a further 60 credits of study (of which at least 30 credits must be at Level 2) from any Level 1 and Level 2 undergraduate modules with codes that include T, M or S. We particularly recommend that you study an additional mathematics module. If you don’t need to start with Discovering mathematics (MU123), then either Introducing statistics (M140) or Essential mathematics 2 (MST125).
Time limits:
- The modules listed here can count towards this qualification for a maximum of eight years after we have stopped presenting them.
- You must complete the required 240 credits by 31 December 2017.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 80 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Before being awarded any intermediate qualifications, we advise you to check that you’ll have sufficient new credits to qualify for your diploma of higher education.
Career relevance and employability
There are many occupations in which engineering knowledge and skills are highly valued, and often essential. Whatever field of engineering you currently work in, this diploma course will enhance your career prospects by helping you develop and demonstrate a sound grasp of engineering principles, the ability to apply them, and an awareness of the surrounding issues.
The DipHE in Engineering includes two work-based modules, which guide you through activities and projects that are closely linked to your workplace. There’s a strong focus on professional development planning, and you’ll be well prepared for further study at Level 3 should you wish to progress to a full honours degree with our Top-up Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Q78). (Progression to our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (B65) is still possible but only if you are able to complete your BEng studies by 31 December 2017.)
You’ll also develop a wide range of transferable skills, with particular emphasis on:
- information handling and numeracy
- IT and communication
- analysing and solving problems
- team working
- planning and organising.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
For this 240-credit diploma you require:
150 credits from the following compulsory modules:
| Level 1 compulsory modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- {Engineering at work (T198)
|
30 |
|
- The discontinued 30-credit module T174
|
30 |
|
- Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)
|
30 |
|
| Level 2 compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Engineering: mechanics, materials, design (T207)
|
60 |
|
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, at Level 1 the discontinued modules MST121, T173
And at least 60 credits from Level 1 and Level 2 modules where the code includes T, M or S, of which at least 30 credits must be at Level 2.*
And 30 credits from the following compulsory module:
| Level 2 compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Change, strategy and projects at work (T227)
|
30 |
|
*If the BEng (Hons) is your study goal, you might like to include T, M or S residential school modules, or modules with embedded residential schools, as the BEng (Hons) requires that you study at least two at any undergraduate level.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering and will be entitled to use the letters Dip HE (Open) after your name.
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.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification