Design and Innovation

This diploma will suit those who do not want to complete a full degree or who want to obtain an interim qualification on their way to a full degree. The courses that make up the diploma also count towards the university’s BA (Hons) Business Studies (B04) and BSc (Hons) Technology (B20).

After completing the diploma students should have gained a good understanding of the design process and the context of design. They will also develop skills in the presentation and the communication of ideas; problem solving and creative thinking; information searching and project planning. The two courses that make up this diploma use examples drawn from a range of design professions to teach basic principles. Both courses have practical and project work elements that enable students to develop their understanding and skills.

The Diploma will be of interest to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Technical expertise and mathematics are not required for this award. Teachers of design may also find the diploma useful as part of their professional development, as will those whose work involves design or design management.

The Diploma in Design and Innovation is made up of Level 2 and Level 3 courses taken from our undergraduate programme. There are no entry requirements but you must be suitably prepared for study at this level. It is recommended that students prepare for the course by taking one of the Level 1 courses such as Engineering the future (T173) or Networked living: exploring Information and Communication (T175) .

You can register your intention to study for the diploma when you reserve your place on individual courses, or you can ask us at any time to link courses that you have already studied towards the diploma. This gives you the flexibility to delay your decision or to change your mind as your studies progress. There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification. You must include at least 40 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.