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Health Sciences

Open University
W44

In this diploma, you’ll study the essential scientific concepts underpinning the function of the human mind and body; the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability; and the maintenance and improvement of health in different populations.

Award Name Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body Open University
NFQ Level
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 Open University
Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240

Duration

Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 12 years

Study method: Distance learning

How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification; however, to study successfully you’ll need,
• The ability to read and write to a good standard of English
• Some basic maths skills
• Some familiarity with using a computer and the internet.

You can use our online diagnostic tool to help you decide if you’re ready, or if you could do with some extra preparation. There are also some study resources to help you prepare for SDK100.

Careers / Further progression

Career relevance
While this course is not attached to a specific professional endorsement, it provides a broad base of subject knowledge and skills appropriate to occupations such as biomedical research, diagnostic services, health promotion, health and safety, health therapy, and health services administration and management.

Other careers
People with science qualifications are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.

Course Web Page

Further information

Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024

Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences
In this diploma, you’ll study the essential scientific concepts underpinning the function of the human mind and body; the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability; and the maintenance and improvement of health in different populations. If you’re interested in the science behind our health – from what we can do as individuals to stay healthy, to global health issues such as epidemics or the treatment of people with dementia – this diploma is for you. It’s particularly relevant if you work in health-related professions, or you’re thinking about doing so.

Key features of the course
• Explores health and disease from a multidisciplinary, evidence-based perspective
• Uses innovative online collaborative and virtual experiences to develop science practical skills
• Develops a wide range of transferable skills
• Builds a solid foundation for further study

This Diploma of Higher Education is the same as Stages 1–2 of our BSc (Honours) Health Sciences (Q71). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Health Sciences (T18); the first part is the same as our Certificate in Health Sciences (S19).

This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• In Stage 1, you’ll study two 60-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules and one 60-credit module.

See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.

Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.

Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240