Expand+How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spre...

Hide-How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.

A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.

Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.

Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,228*.

Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,456*.

At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £12,912*.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs
Study costs
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Expand+There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their po...

Hide-There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Expand+This diploma develops your critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, which is essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Health and social care professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to ...

Hide-This diploma develops your critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, which is essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Health and social care professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed. Through your studies you’ll develop the skills you need for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll also gain an understanding of how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services.

Key features of the course

Applies new ideas to real life issues and situations that affect us all

Helps you to develop as an independent and reflective learner

Explores the context and processes of change

Discover new ways of working across agency and professional boundaries

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, the diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of the BA (Honours) Health and Social Care (R26).

Expand+This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At each stage you will study one 60-credit compulsory module focusing on current issues across the health and social care sector.

For the remaining 60 credits of each...

Hide-This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At each stage you will study one 60-credit compulsory module focusing on current issues across the health and social care sector.

For the remaining 60 credits of each stage, you will choose between option modules exploring particular issues or client groups in more depth, for example, mental health, older adults, children and young people or health and wellbeing.

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

Expand+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.

The level and depth of your learning grad...

Hide-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.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Expand+Skills for career development
The Diploma of Higher Education in Health and Social Care emphasises crossing professional boundaries and the service user’s perspective, and is closely attuned to care sector priorities. You’ll acquire a strong set...

Hide-Skills for career development
The Diploma of Higher Education in Health and Social Care emphasises crossing professional boundaries and the service user’s perspective, and is closely attuned to care sector priorities. You’ll acquire a strong set of highly valued transferable skills, including skills in written communication; finding and using research and other sources of information; problem-solving; and time management. You’ll learn to work independently and as part of a team, and gain a good understanding of the role of IT in care.

Career relevance
This diploma is applicable to a wide range of health and social care careers in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors.

Other careers
The wide range of transferable skills you’ll develop during your studies will be applicable to many roles outside health and social care.

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