Educational aims
The Open CertHE is a unique programme that allows you to mould your studies to suit your changing needs or circumstances. Choosing from a wide range of rewarding and enjoyable modules you can steer your studies to focus on, or combine, personal interests and career needs. The programme aims to provide you with:
- the flexibility to study modules in one or more subjects
- the opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and capabilities through Level 1 university study
- an appreciation of the development of knowledge and its application in your chosen subjects
- the skills to learn independently, organise information and communicate effectively, whether for academic study, employment, or your own pleasure and satisfaction.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
When you complete your studies for this certificate you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the underlying principles, concepts and terms adopted in the subject(s) you study.
Cognitive skills
When you complete your studies for the certificate you will be able to:
- describe, evaluate and interpret defined aspects of your subject
- respond to issues, questions and problems by drawing on a range of subject-related approaches and ideas.
Practical and/or professional skills
When you complete your studies for the certificate you will be able to:
- plan your studies to link with your personal and/or career goals
- engage, as appropriate, with practical and professional skills and demonstrate an awareness of relevant ethical issues.
Key skills
When you complete your studies for the certificate you will be able to:
- develop your skills in communicating information accurately and appropriately
- develop your understanding and use of the resources available to help you learn and begin to develop as an independent learner.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
We will use different teaching materials to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding. These include specially prepared teaching texts (which will often include self-assessment exercises), reference texts, computer programmes, reading, the internet, television programmes, audio CDs and DVDs.
Tutors will support your learning using tutorials, email and online forums.
Tutors will continuously assess your knowledge, understanding and skills using tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and, on some modules, using computer-marked assignments (CMAs). Tutors mark your TMAs using marking guides produced by the relevant module teams, and give you written feedback on your performance.