Combined Professional Studies

Key features of the course

• Gain an understanding of your subjects in ethical, social, intellectual, academic and employment contexts
• Develop critical and reflective awareness of your own learning and professional practice
• Learn to be creative and open to new possibilities – especially in the workplace
• Builds a solid foundation for further study

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of an honours degree.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. However, you are responsible for obtaining permission to use your workplace as a basis for your studies prior to registering for the first module.

Also, to successfully complete the first module you must:

• be engaged in suitable full-time or part-time employment – either paid or voluntary
• have permission to carry out work-based learning tasks in your work setting
• confirm that the work you submit is based on your practice in that setting
• have regular access to a computer connected to the internet.

Further detailed information will be sent to you once you have registered for the module.

Skills for career development

This diploma course can help you to develop your existing career, or be a passport to a whole new one. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles, and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path. Unlike more traditional diploma courses, the Diploma of Higher Education in Combined Professional Studies enables you to tailor your study to your current employment or to the sector you hope to enter in the future. You will develop enthusiasm for learning and professional development; understanding of your subjects in a broad social, academic and employment context; the skills of critical analysis and synthesis; and reflective awareness.

Career relevance

This diploma is relevant to huge range of different careers and career paths. You will have the opportunity to design a personalised study programme, allowing you to develop skills needed to help you in your current workplace, or to work towards a complete change in career.

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.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, visit the careers website Prospects for hundreds of job ideas.

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