Offender Learning Prospectus - 2010-11

Studying with
The Open University

A guide for learners in prison
2010/2011
INSPIRING LEARNING
Make a new start with
The Open University
OU study has completely changed

me as a person. As well as being
more knowledgeable about social issues,
I am much more confident and optimistic
about the future.
Tony, HMP Wymott
It has been thoroughly enjoyable
learning with the OU. The course
material is well written and the
assignment questions stimulating.
Learning has widened my outlook and
interests, and to receive a good score
for an assignment is tremendous
validation for the hard work put in.
Ben, HMP The Wolds
Having been a very active person
outside prison, I found the course
a huge release from the boredom
created by the prison regime. The
course is dynamic, extremely interesting
and engaging, giving me a new
perspective on my life.
Edwin, HMP Chelmsford
I chose to study in prison

because I wanted to do something
constructive and time-consuming
and I was enthused at the prospect
of studying something I would enjoy
and find challenging.
My advice to anyone considering
OU study in prison is that it is
unquestionably worth all the hassle.
It is a solid, practical, life-affirming
endeavour.
Nigel, HMP Frankland
At first I thought I would not meet
the requirements, but you can do it
as long as you are ready to achieve it.
My results give me joy and hope. You
will be surprised how much you will
achieve. Stay positive.
Linda, HMP Morton Hall
Introduction
Contents
Introduction
Introducing The Open University (OU)
Support for your studies
Fees and financial help
Building a qualification
Becoming an OU student
Moving on
Openings
Introductory courses to build your confidence
Qualifications
The Open degree
Arts and humanities
Business and management
Computing and ICT
Engineering and technology
Health and social care
Languages
Law
Mathematics and statistics
Science
Social sciences
Courses
Arts and humanities
Computing and ICT
Languages
Law
Science
Social sciences
8
8
14
15
17
21
22
24
25
27
29
30
32
33
36
38
43
45
47
50
52
56
58
61
68
Please note that acceptance of students in prison on to Open University courses is always at the
discretion of the Governor or his/her representative.
The Open University offers a number of courses and qualifications in addition to those described in
this prospectus. These are not generally available to students in prison for practical reasons such as
the need for Internet access, but students will normally be able to register for them after release.
Introduction
Introducing The Open University (OU)
Who is the OU for?

The OU was set up to offer the benefits of higher
education to all, not just those who already have
paper qualifications. Over the past 40 years the
OU has changed the lives of more than two million
people, bringing them new knowledge, skills,
interests and inspiration and helping them to achieve
new goals. This includes thousands of students in
prisons and other secure environments. The OU is
Europes largest academic community, with more
than 200,000 students taking courses every year.
What can you study

with the OU?
OU students have access to a wide range of
educational opportunities, from short introductory
courses to longer, broader courses leading to
degrees and other recognised qualifications. Many
of these courses can be studied by people in prison
or other secure environments, and many do not call
for any prior knowledge of the subject but you will
normally be expected to show that you can study
successfully at National Qualifications Framework
(NQF) level 2 or above, or its equivalent. Your
education department can tell you more about entry
levels and the courses which may be available to
you, subject to your particular circumstances.
What OU students
have achieved
OU students in prison have been taking and passing
OU courses for many years. They include people
from all backgrounds, many of whom have had
negative experiences of education in the past. Their
OU studies have not only given them something
constructive and worthwhile to do during their
sentence but also helped them to gain confidence
and belief in their own abilities. For some, taking OU
courses has been an end in itself; for others it has
provided opportunities for a new start after release.
Where do I start?
The idea of university-level study can be quite
daunting if you have not studied at this level before,
or not studied for many years. For this reason, most
OU students in prison start with an introductory
Openings course see page 8. These courses are
designed to give you a gentle introduction to higher
education and to help develop your study skills so
that you can go on to higher-level study by taking a
longer, broader course. Most longer, broader courses
last nine months; some language courses are longer
and business courses are typically six months.
Unlike other universities, the OU does not have entry
requirements for most of its courses and you do not
have to take tests to gain entry, but you will need to
satisfy your education department that you are ready
to take on OU study and that there are no security or
public protection issues that would make a particular
course of study inappropriate.
If you have already studied at university level, you may
be able to start at a higher level than Openings and
you may be able to count credit from previous study
towards a qualification, but the final decision on where
you can start rests with the Prison Govenor (or their
representative), who must approve all applications.
Introduction
Support for your studies
The education department
The University
OU study in prison is organised through the education

department, who deal with your choice of courses
and study plans, applications and registration on to
courses, fees and funding, course materials, tutorial
visits, assessment and general study support. They
have access to further support through the OUs
regional and national services see right.
The OU has ten regional centres in England and one

each in Scotland, Wales and Ireland (covering both
Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic). Each looks
after students in a number of prisons and supports
the education staff. The centres have access to
information and resources for all aspects of OU study.
They also have specialists in advice and guidance to
help with study choices and careers options.
Your tutor
Just before you start a course you will be assigned
a course tutor, who will help you through the course
through correspondence tuition and (where possible)
tutorial visits or occasionally telephone tutorials (for
openings courses when permitted). You submit
course assignments regularly to your tutor via the
education department. He or she marks your work
and offers constructive teaching comments to help
you. You may find that there are one or two other
students taking your course, in which case you may
have shared tutorial visits, but in the main you will see
your tutor on your own.
If you need help between tutorials you can ask your
education department to contact the tutor for you.
If you have study problems

Almost all OU students have moments when they find
the going tough. They sometimes lose confidence
or motivation and may think about giving up their
course. The OU has a great deal of experience in
helping students in this situation and we encourage
students to ask for this help when its needed. We
can, for example, help you with planning your studies
and with skills in reading and note-taking, completing
assignments and preparing for examinations and
other assessments.
You can ask your education department to arrange
to approach the University about this kind of
additional help.
Fees and financial help
If you are unable to pay for the course yourself,

full funding for up to 60 points worth of course fees
(70 points in Scotland) may be available, provided
that you have been resident in the UK prior to the
course start date. Please note that this does not
include time spent in prison.
If you have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for
at least three years, or you are studying in a prison
in mainland Europe, the Isle of Man or the Channel
Islands, you are likely to be liable for higher fees and
would not normally qualify for funding. However, to check
the position based on your individual circumstances,
please ask your education department to check with the
Offender Learning & Secure Units Team at our Student
Registration & Enquiry Service on 0845 366 6059, or the
OU national centre in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
For students in England and Wales, funding in your first
year of study may be provided centrally through the
Prisoners Education Trust (PET), a charity organisation
which supports all kinds of education for students in
prison. The trust meets monthly to consider applications
for funding and it is very important that you apply well
before a course start date if you want to receive PET
funding (see the timeline on page 6).
After your first 30- or 60-point course, full funding for

undergraduate courses is usually provided through
the OUs own fee grant scheme. Funding is for up
to 60 points per year and you need to apply in good
time to be sure that your fees will be paid before the
course starts. Please note that this is not available for
Openings courses.
In Scotland, students working towards an
undergraduate degree who come from lower
income groups may be eligible for funding of all
courses through the Scottish Funding Councils
fee waiver scheme.
Some courses require set books and other materials
or equipment which you would normally be expected
to buy. These will usually be provided free of charge
to students in prison who receive OU funding for
their course.
These funding schemes do not apply to postgraduate
(e.g. masters) courses and students for these
courses will need to obtain funding elsewhere.
Your education department can tell you about other
possible sources of funding if you are not eligible for
OU or PET funding.
Introduction
Building a qualification
Studying with the OU can help you work towards a worthwhile qualification,
and at a pace that suits you. These are the qualifications you can achieve:
A certificate is a first-step qualification in its own
right, or a stage to mark your achievements on the
way to a degree. It consists of one or two courses
at the entry Level 1. You can go on to complete a
diploma on its own, or use this to build towards
a degree. A diploma involves more study than a
certificate usually at a higher level specialising in
one area of study. Getting a diploma shows that you
are capable of studying successfully at university
level, and that could be valuable, whether or not you
want to go on to further study.
An undergraduate or bachelors degree is a widely
recognised higher-education qualification. While you
are studying for your degree (as an undergraduate)
you will learn about the subjects you want to study,
and develop your analytical, intellectual and writing
skills. Degree-level study will demonstrate that
you can understand complex information, meet
deadlines, work independently, solve problems and
communicate with confidence.
Depending on the subjects you choose, we offer
two different types of degree that you can achieve:
an Open degree or a degree in a named subject.
Both types of degree allow you to study for either
a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science
(BSc) the type of degree you earn is determined
by the balance of arts- or science-based subjects
you choose to study. Almost all these degrees are
honours degrees. An honours degree is awarded
for study at an advanced level the equivalent to final
year study at a campus-based university. They are
divided into the four classes (like grades): 1 (first
the highest level), 2:1 (upper second), 2:2 (lower
second) and 3 (third).
An Open degree lets you choose the combination of
courses you study. Its our most popular degree and
can enable you to combine two or three subjects of
your choosing. For a degree in a named subject, for
example in literature or social sciences, youll study
mainly in your chosen subject, although you can
usually include some courses from other subjects
too. The number of courses available in prison is
limited for practical reasons (for example, if Internet
access is required), and the number of named
degree options is therefore limited too.
Step-by-step study
An OU qualification is built up gradually by earning
credit points for each course you take (our courses
work like modules), and if youre working towards
an Open degree, you can keep your options open
and change your mind along the way. You just need
to be sure that the courses you choose, particularly
the first ones, are right for you in terms of level,
study commitment and meeting your aims. Your
Head of Learning and Skills, education department
or careers adviser can help you with this.
The course level refers to its degree of difficulty
the various courses you take towards a qualification
are set at different levels. For our undergraduate
courses these are at Levels 1, 2 and 3 and are
roughly equivalent to studying in the first, second
and third year at a campus-based university.
The study required at the final stage of an
undergraduate degree, for example, is at Level 3.
OU levels are not the same as other levels such as
NVQs / SNVQs. If you already have an NVQ / SNVQ
at level 1, 2 or 3 we would normally recommend that
you start with an Openings or other Level 1 course.
Credit points measure the workload required for
successful completion of a study programme or
qualification one credit point represents about 10
hours of study. At the OU, youll be awarded credit
points after you have successfully completed a
course. For example, if you study a 60-point course
and successfully pass it, you will be awarded the full
60 points.
OU credit points are aligned to the national Credit
Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) system.
CATS helps you to move the credit points you
accumulate from one institution to another.
Youll usually need 60 credit points from specific
courses at Level 1 to gain a certificate. For most
of our diplomas youll need 120 credit points from
specific courses at Levels 2 and 3. For an honours
degree you will need 360 credit points. These will
include no more than 120 points at Level 1 and
at least 120 points at Level 3. The remaining 120
points must be above Level 1.
An Open degree can be awarded either with or
without honours. For a degree without honours you
need at least 300 credit points. Of these, at least
180 must be above Level 1 and, of those, at least 60
must be at Level 3.
Introduction
Credit for previous study
The table below shows the typical number

of credit points required at each level for the
majority of OU qualifications.
Undergraduate Credit
qualification
points
required
at Level 1
Credit
points
required
at Level 2
Credit
Total
points
required
at Level 3
Certificate
60 normally from Level 1

courses but can be at any level
60
Diploma
120 from Level 2

and / or Level 3
120
Degree
without
honours
120
120
60
300
Degree with
honours
120
120
120
360
How much time does it take?
If you have successfully completed some study

(either a full qualification or part of one) at highereducation level elsewhere, you may be able to count
it towards an OU degree or other qualification. This
includes vocational courses at NVQ or SNVQ level 4
and above. We enable you to do this by awarding you
a certain number of points of transferred credit. By
transferring credit gained from previous study, you
can reduce the number of points you need from OU
study to achieve your qualification. If you do want to
transfer credit, we recommend you investigate the
option as soon as possible, as transferred credit may
affect your choice of courses.
To sum up:
1 credit point = approximately ten hours of study
Openings courses = approximately six hours of
study a week for 20 weeks
Our undergraduate qualifications are designed to

be flexible. So if you want to vary the amount of time
you spend studying from year to year, or even take
a break for a while, you can. There is no time limit
for completion of many OU undergraduate degrees,
although the courses that contribute to them may
change over time. Degrees with time limits are usually
those where either the subject matter of the courses
is liable to date or where there are professional
requirements to complete within a given timescale.
30 point courses = approximately seven to eight

hours of study a week for nine months
Its easy to underestimate the time and commitment

needed for part-time study, so its a good idea not
to take on too much at first. As you become more
experienced and confident you may be able take
on more.
300 credit points = a degree without honours
We strongly recommend that students take only one

course at a time. Openings courses take about six
hours of study a week. Most longer, broader courses
are worth either 30 or 60 points. A 30-point course
will take about seven to eight hours of study a week;
a 60-point course, around sixteen hours a week.
A 30-point six-month business studies course
requires about twelve hours a week.
Remember that any of our courses can be taken

on their own as part of personal or future career
development.
If you are interested in OU study its important to

apply well before the course start date as it takes
several months for your application to be processed
and for funding to be arranged.
60 point courses = approximately 16 hours of study

a week for nine months
You normally need 60 credit points for a certificate
Diplomas and degrees are obtained by studying a
combination of courses
120 credit points are needed for a diploma
360 credit points = a degree with honours
You may be able to get credit for higher education
already completed
Introduction
Becoming an OU student
You need to apply some months before the course start date so that there is time to complete your registration,
obtain funding and secure your place on the course. This chart gives some idea of the timescales involved in
becoming a student:
Enrolment
A step-by-step guide to enrolment and study

What happens?
When?
You are considering studying a higher education course with the OU.
You arrange an initial discussion with your education department.
As appropriate, but needs to be

at least 12 weeks before course
start date. In Scotland, by 15 May
for study in the following year.
You choose your course.
At least 12 weeks before

the course start date.
You submit an application to your education department. They will contact

us to reserve a place and we will send you a registration pack and
financial support application (if appropriate).
Around 12 weeks before the

course start date.
After the prison sift procedure your registration on the course is confirmed.
Typically within a few weeks

of application.
If youre enrolling on your first course, complete the registration agreement

and send it to the Prisoners Education Trust (PET) along with their
application form.
About a week later.
Study
If you have studied with us previously, simply complete the registration

agreement and financial support application and then pass it back to
your education department. They will complete their part and send the
paperwork back to us.
You receive your course materials and are allocated a tutor.
About a week before

the course starts.
You begin studying.
Course start date.
For 30- or 60-point courses, your tutor and the education department
organise tutorial visits where possible.
At various points during

the course.
You submit assignments (feedback given by your tutor approximately

two weeks after submission).
At set dates on your study

calendar.
You will be given a date to sit your exam or a deadline to submit

your end-of-course assessment (ECA).
At least 12 weeks before

the course end date.
You start revision or preparation.
Around four weeks before the

exam or ECA submission.
You sit your exam or submit your ECA.
Around four weeks before the

course end date.
You receive your course result.
Around eight weeks after

the course end date.
Introduction
Moving on
What happens when you
move prison?
If you move from one prison to another, or to a
probation hostel before release, you should be able
to continue with any OU courses you are taking and
then continue your studies with further courses.
However, facilities for study in prisons vary, and
each has its own policy for supporting OU students.
You will need to check this when you move, and its
important you play your part in letting the OU know,
via the education department, that you have moved
so that your OU regional or national centre can give
you continuing support.
The OU recognises that there can be delays and
difficulties when you move prisons for example
with course materials being transferred to your new
address so we can give extra support and/or allow
extra time for assignments etc. in many cases.
Leaving prison
When you leave prison, many aspects of your life
will change and you will have new priorities and
new pressures on your time. But as an OU student
you can continue with your studies wherever you
are living in the UK or most parts of continental
Europe. If you intend to study from a country outside
of the European Union please contact our Student
Registration & Enquiry Service for further information.
On the outside you will be responsible for your own
learning, but you will have access to a wide range of
support services to help you through your courses. For
example, as a member of a tutorial group you can be
in regular contact with a tutor and fellow students. You
will also be more likely to have access to the Internet
and be able to get information and advice from the OU
website and your regional or national centre on study
skills, course choice and careers.
On your release from prison, contact our Student
Registration & Enquiry Service or your OU national
centre in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland so
that we can amend your address. As soon as your
regional or national centre has details of your new
address, its Learner Support section will look after
your OU interests and become a useful source of
information and advice. Unless you are near the end
of your course, they may allocate you to a new tutor
and tutorial group as near as possible to your home.
Finance
Leaving prison can be a time of financial hardship.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be
eligible for financial support that will cover all or part
of your continuing study costs, including course
materials and other expenses. If you have any
queries or concerns about finance, you can discuss
them with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Careers advice
The OU can provide information and advice on careers
and further study, and can also put you in touch with
other institutions that may be able to help you.
OU courses are recognised by most other
educational organisations such as colleges and
universities, in the UK and abroad. Your OU regional
or national centre can advise on this and on how you
can claim credits for previous study.
Openings
Openings introductory courses

to build your confidence
These introductory courses have been specially
designed to help you:
find out what its like to study with us
get a taste of a subject area
develop your study skills
build your confidence.
Openings courses are perfect for new OU learners
with little or no special knowledge or experience of
studying.
Key features include: activities that encourage you
to link the discussions in the course to your own
experience; core questions and key points that help
you to remember what youre reading; and study
skills sections that enable you to develop your skills
including how to reflect on how youre learning.
Weve made our Openings courses as flexible as
possible. Start dates are March, June, September
and November each year. These courses are popular
so its important to apply in plenty of time.
Each course lasts a maximum of 20 weeks and you
need to find approximately six hours a week for study.
During the course youll do three short pieces of
written work which you will receive feedback on.
At the end of the course you will gain a sense of
pride and satisfaction after completing your study.
There are no examinations to sit for Openings
courses. Instead, the third and final piece of work is
to write an end-of-course assessment. Successful
completion of the course will earn you 10 credit
points at Level 1 (equivalent to the level of study in
the first year of university). You may be able to count
these points towards an OU qualification.
Introducing environment (Y161)

Points:
10 points at Level 1
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Requirements: DVD (preferable but not essential)

Environmental concerns often appear in the
news, and it can be difficult to tell what matters,
or what choice we have. Focusing on scientific and
technological aspects of the environment you will
learn about the unique role of humans, and ways
in which weve changed the environment to suit our
needs, for example, through farming or conservation.
We start with biology and explain ecological ideas,
using various examples to highlight interrelationships
between plants, animals and the wider environment.
A more technological approach follows, measuring
the effect of current lifestyles on the environment.
The ecological footprint model (ecofootprint) is fully
explained, showing how our use of resources can
affect the environment. Finally, schemes to reduce
environmental impact show how a more sustainable
lifestyle can work for a household, a community and
a city.
The course offers a friendly introduction to the study
of environment and so is suitable for you if you are
a beginner with little previous scientific knowledge,
and may need to develop your general study skills. It
raises your awareness of the issues, and builds your
confidence in evaluating and using evidence.
The course will also help to develop your writing
skills, including the use of information to support an
argument. You do not need extensive mathematical
knowledge - the emphasis is upon interpreting
graphs and charts and comparing data, rather than
calculations.
This Openings course would be useful if you are
interested in going on to our new longer, broader
Level 1 course Environment: journeys through a
changing world (U116 page 70) or you may be
interested in studying our longer, broader Level 1
science course Exploring science (S104 page 61).
Openings
Learning to change (Y165)
Making sense of the arts (Y160)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Learning to change takes your life as a starting point.

It helps you think about what you can already do
and builds up your confidence in these abilities. By
using a mixture of personal reflection, case studies
(including three real life case studies) and ideas
about how you learn, you will become equipped to
move your life forward.
How do you make sense of poetry? How do we find

out what happened in the past? How do you judge
contemporary art? Making sense of the arts helps
you to begin to answer these questions.
This course is for anyone who is uncertain about

what their next starting point is. You may be unsure
about what subject you are interested in. You may
be unsure about whether you can cope with study at
university level. You may be unsure about what path
in life to pursue.
You can use the course as a starting point for your
own personal development. By finding out about
yourself you are creating the basis for a better
understanding of what you need to progress.
In todays changing world, a commitment to personal
development (i.e. developing yourself) is essential
in most careers - this course will help you make the
most out of any future development opportunities.
You will also find out how to be more in control of
your life through more effective communication and
self-management. The course suggests ways for you
to make the most of your potential in order to live a
more satisfying and fulfilling life.
There are many options open to you after taking
this course. If you want to go onto further study, the
course is excellent preparation for any of our longer,
broader Level 1 courses.
The first section asks the question What is poetry?

You will look at various techniques used by writers
of poetry and will explore the effects that poetry
has on you as a reader. A number of different types
of poems are considered, ranging from popular
childrens poetry to traditional Japanese Haiku.
You will develop some expertise in the study of this
traditional Japanese form of poetry, as well as a good
grounding in how to approach poetry in general.
The second section asks the question What is
history? It focuses on the story of Aung San Suu Kyi,
who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for
her part in the struggle for freedom and democracy
in Burma. Various viewpoints are considered and
youll follow the events which led to her imprisonment
and the popular uprising against the government.
I found this course to be both challenging
and interesting. I surprised myself in some
areas such as art history because it was
something I had never studied before and to be
honest, thought that I would hate. But I really
enjoyed it!
Openings student
The last section asks the question What is art? and
introduces the discipline of art history by examining
the work of various Turner Prize winners. The Turner
Prize often causes controversy with many people
dismissing the artworks as worthless. However, by
exploring the techniques used by art historians and art
critics when analysing a work of art youll be able to
make a much more informed judgement and perhaps
gain a new perspective on contemporary art.
interested in going on to our longer, broader Level 1
course The arts past and present (AA100 page 38).
10
Openings
Starting with law (Y166)
Starting with maths (Y162)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Would you like to know more about the legal system,

how laws are made and how they affect our everyday
lives? Are you interested in how the law affects you?
Are you curious about your legal responsibilities?
If you are particularly interested in maths, or you

want to study a maths-based subject or one where
maths will feature significantly, Starting with maths
offers a friendly introduction. The course will help
you feel more confident in using maths in a variety of
different situations. There are three main themes:
We are continually interacting with and affected by

the law; from getting into a car, to having a picnic in
the countryside, to drinking a cup of coffee in a cafe.
Taking examples from everyday life, Starting with law
enables you to start from your general knowledge and
interests and gradually build up to degree-level study.
Beginning with an orientation into the legal system,
the course examines why law matters, how laws are
made, why we need laws and who the key players
are in the legal system.
Starting with law then moves on to its central theme
of legal rights and responsibilities, examining
how these affect us at different points in our lives,
beginning at childhood, through adulthood and into
old age. The course addresses the following themes:
How do our rights develop as children?
How do our rights and responsibilities change as
we become adults?
How do we protect our rights as we get older?
Throughout the course, youll focus on the members
of a fictitious family examining these topics from
each members viewpoint.
Starting with law introduces key legal concepts and
develops your knowledge of the way the law works.
Whether you are simply interested in finding out
about this fascinating and challenging subject or
thinking of further study in law this course has much
to offer.
The course materials have been prepared with the
needs of new learners in mind. They assume no
special knowledge and no experience of studying.
Study skills are key to the course, and skills such
as time management, note-taking, reading for study
purposes and reflection on your own learning are
explored.
interested in going on to our longer, broader Level 1
course Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to
law (W100 page 56).
improving your mathematical skills including using

a calculator effectively
developing problem-solving strategies so that you
know what to do when you get stuck
practising general study skills to help you become
an effective learner.
Using mathematics in the real world is sometimes
quite different to tackling a clearly-stated problem
in a textbook. During the course, you will consider
several real-life examples, including a case study
based on a conservation issue, so that you can see
the differences yourself and feel more confident in
using mathematics in your own life to solve problems
and make decisions.
Being able to communicate using mathematical
ideas is important, whether you are reading the
work of others or explaining your own solutions. The
course will help you develop these skills, in particular
using notation and language appropriately and
writing good mathematical solutions that are easy
to understand. As well as maths that is useful in
everyday situations, the course also includes puzzles,
bits of history and some mathematical ideas that are
fascinating in their own right.
You will find the course useful whether you are
building up towards regular, structured study or are
simply interested in finding out about mathematics
and its place in our lives. In this course the
mathematical ideas are emphasised more than the
technological and scientific ones, although the skills
are equally appropriate for anyone who intends to
study technology or science.
This course would be useful if you are interested
in going on to our longer, broader Level 1 course
Discovering mathematics (MU123 page 58). It
would also be useful if you are planning to take
any course that requires basic mathematical skills
such as Exploring science (S104 page 61) and
Engineering the future (T173 page 47).
Openings
I have tutored the Openings maths course

for several years and some of my best
students have been prisoners. They are so
committed to learning and making the most of
their time, they do just as well, if not better than
my other students. All Openings courses are
ideal for studying in prison as they are only
four months long and they are as much about
learning how to study as about the topic itself.
With some prisons its possible to have telephone
tutorials with the student three or four times
during the course. This direct communication,
when it is possible, is great because it enables
me to find out what the student is thinking and
if they are having any particular difficulties with
the course or with study techniques. Written
communication is also good but unfortunately
even though I ask my students to write to me if
they are having problems, they very rarely do.
Many students are a bit nervous when they start
so I make it my job to try to allay those fears and
help them to develop the right study skills which
will help them through this course and all the
others because invariably they really enjoy the
course and want to continue to the next level.
Openings tutor
Starting with psychology (Y163)

Points:
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011

On this course you will explore several areas of
psychology, including how we are shaped by
our biology, thinking, important relationships and
membership of different groups. The course will also
consider some of the ways that psychologists gather
their evidence and the type of work that they can do.
The course begins by examining the links between
the brain and behaviour. By using case studies of
people who have experienced some alteration to the
brain, youll look at the physical basis of memory,
emotion and consciousness. This is followed by
an exploration of how we think, the way we can
organise our thoughts to improve memory and how
this organisation of thoughts can lead us to make
mistakes and come to false conclusions.
In Relationships you will look at our very first
important relationships with parents and carers,
as well as friendships and romantic links later in
life. Next youll consider the roles people play and
how the groups they belong to can influence their
behaviour. Finally, youll examine a number of topics
such as happiness and aggression and see why
it is necessary to take into account the influences
of biology, thinking, relationships and group
membership if we want to understand fully why
people think, feel and behave as they do.
The course materials have been prepared with the
needs of new learners in mind. They assume no
special knowledge and no experience of studying.
Study skills are key to the course, and skills such as
note taking, reading for study purposes, essay writing
and reflection on your own learning are explored.
Level 1 course Introducing the social sciences
(DD101 page 68).
11
12
Openings
Understanding children (Y156)
Understanding health (Y178)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010

How can you improve a childs confidence? What do
children need to develop their self-esteem? How can
being consistent, open and honest help to support a
childs personal growth?
Understanding children is a course that focuses
on young people up to the age of 11. It follows the
day-to-day life of a family and asks students to
consider the choices and rights of the children as
they grow up in the modern world.
In Babies Being Heard youll look at the ways in
which babies and children under the age of three
communicate and express their individuality, and
how babies form those important relationships with
people around them.
Children Having a Say focuses on children between
the ages of four and five and examines what
happens when conflict or disagreements arise with
young children and the ways that families can resolve
them. It then explores the experience for children of
moving from the home and into a nursery or school
environment.
The final unit, Young People Finding Their
Place, looks at nine to eleven year olds and their
relationships with the world beyond the family, how
their voices are heard, the skills theyre learning and
their contributions to family life.
I would definitely recommend an Openings
course to anyone new to the OU. Openings
helped me get to grips with distance learning
and prepared me for starting a longer Level 1
course. My tutor was very supportive and
helpful and provided excellent feedback on
my assignments.
Openings student
interested in going on to our longer, broader Level
1 course An introduction to health and social care
(K101 page 50).
Please note that funding for this course through
the PET scheme in England and Wales (see page 3)
is not available and students would therefore have
to provide their own funding.

Understanding health explores the complexity
of health and what shapes our experience of it
asking how much we influence our own health; how
much its influenced by families, where we live and
wider society; what individuals can do to maintain
their health; and how the medical profession and
politicians intervene to try to keep us healthy.
This course invites you to probe beneath the
surface of the term health, a word we tend to use
unquestioningly without paying much attention to its
meaning. By exploring some of the key issues that
dominate current concerns about health including
obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking, stress at work and
HIV/AIDS the course considers how complex health
is and the many factors that play a role in shaping
our experience of it.
A central feature of the course is its exploration of
health from four different levels or vantage points:
those of the individual, the family, the locality and
wider society.
The starting point of the course is the individuals
experience of health: the personal factors that
influence how healthy we are. Youll then move on to
examine the ways in which peoples health is shaped
by their family, by their local environment (including
schools and housing), and by the wider society they
live in. You are invited to focus on the influences on
health at each particular level and at the interventions
that can be made to improve health and well-being.
Drawing upon sociology as well as biology and
psychology, the course offers a multi-disciplinary
perspective on health, and insights into the
contributions of different academic disciplines.
Through activities and assignments you are
encouraged to develop your study skills and build
your confidence so that by the end of the course
book youll be able to pull together the story of two
major health issues of our times: stress at work and
smoking-related illness.
This is a course for anyone with an interest in health
and would be useful if you are interested in going on
to our longer, broader Level 1 course An introduction
to health and social care (K101 page 50).
Openings
Understanding management (Y159)
Understanding society (Y157)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Start:
Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Mar 2011, Jun 2011,
Sep 2011, Nov 2011
Most of us, at one time or another, encounter

management. It is one of the dominant features of
modern life. Sometimes our experience is one of
being managed and at other times we are required
to manage, whether we have a formal title or not.
But have you ever wondered what management
really means? What kinds of ideas and activities
make up management? What or who makes a
good manager? Or a bad one? And how you can
get involved and manage better? This introductory
course will help you make sense of management and
answer some of these questions for yourself.
Understanding society is a wide-ranging course that

looks at the subject as part of a journey that starts
with family life in the UK and ends with worldwide
social movements. It introduces key social science
concepts and develops your knowledge of the
way social scientists work, through the use of case
studies and activities.
Understanding management is firstly about the role

and behaviours of people who manage part or all
of a working organisation. You do not have to have
management experience in order to do the course:
the course can be a positive first step in your own
professional development. Secondly, it is about how
all of us can learn to better manage the various
challenges we face in our work lives. These may be
tasks or roles we are asked to perform in our place of
work, or they may be to do with balancing the work
and non-work aspects of our lives. And thirdly, the
course is about getting you to clarify what you would
like to accomplish in your future work life and to
reflect on the possible ways you could manage it.
The course has four themes. The first considers
the different experiences of management we may
have, beginning with an examination of your own
experiences of management compared to those of
others, explored through a variety of case studies.
We explore the work of managers and some of
the ideas which can influence their approach to
the job. The second theme is organisation. Here
we explore both how the organisation of people
is an important management activity and how the
organisations we find ourselves working in provide
a context for how we all manage our work. The third
theme is self-management. We provide explanations
of a number of techniques and ideas which can
be used to help you manage in a wide variety of
situations. The fourth and final theme is about how
the management knowledge you have gained can be
used for planning and assessing your future personal
development related to work.
This course would be useful if you are interested in
going on to our longer, broader Level 1 course An
introduction to business studies (B120 page 43).
A great course. Ive not studied or written

essays in many years and this course
really did make the journey smooth. It made
study an addiction and Ive just moved on to
another course which Im also enjoying. Y157
has made the transition to this new course
really easy!
Openings student
The course is built around six key questions:
Who does the work in the home? looks at the way
housework is shared within UK families, and at how
the work of women in the home has developed and
changed. What makes us the same - what makes
us different? explores how a sense of belonging
is developed which links us to some people but
separates us from others, and what happens when
there is a meeting of different cultures.
Why can we buy goods from all over the world?
explains globalisation and examines how and why
this has happened. Why do people travel to other
countries for work? investigates why people move
and the effects of migration. Why does where we live
matter? will explore the importance of place for our
life chances and look at how we feel about where we
live. Finally in How do we bring about change? we
see how people can bring about or resist change,
looking at a range of social movements from the
suffragettes to the more recent protests against
genetically modified crops.
Level 1 course Introducing the social sciences
(DD101 page 68), (or its two-part equivalent,
DD131 and DD132).
13
14
Qualifications
Qualifications
The various courses youll take towards your

qualification are set at different levels. For our
undergraduate courses these are at Levels 1, 2 and 3,
and these are roughly equivalent to studying in the first,
second and third year at a campus-based university.
We strongly recommend that you work progressively
through the levels to build up your knowledge and skills.
Usually, students begin at Level 1.
The details of the qualifications that follow are those that are generally available in
prison. For most subject areas, there are further courses and qualifications (degrees,
diplomas, certificates) that you may be able to take after your release. For more
information and to check availability, please check with your education department.
Qualifications
The Open degree
Arts and humanities
Computing and ICT
Languages
Law
Science
Social sciences
Click www.open.ac.uk/study or call +44 (0)845 300 60 90
15
17
21
22
24
25
27
29
30
32
33
Qualifications
The Open degree

With an Open degree you choose what you want to study. Every year,
almost half of all OU students who graduate do so with an Open degree
rather than a degree in a named subject, such as history or science.
The Open degree enjoys high status both with students and employers.
But there is one big difference compared to OU degrees in named
subjects an Open degree is infinitely more flexible.
Study courses that interest you

Flexibility all the way through
Our unique Open Programme is one of the most
flexible degree programmes in the UK, letting you
build a degree thats right for you.
Youve got plenty of undergraduate courses to choose
from for the Open degree, and each course is designed
to stretch your mind and develop your interests.
The advantage of an Open degree is that you choose
which courses you want to study as part of your
degree.
What types of Open degree

can I study?
There are two types of Open degree a Bachelor of
Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) they both
share the qualification code BD. You can study an
Open degree with or without honours.
If you are interested in studying a range of different
courses but would like to specialise in arts and
humanities, business and management, languages,
law, or social sciences, then a BA Open degree is
probably suited to your needs.
If you are interested in studying a range of different
courses but would like to specialise in computing,
ICT, engineering and technology, sciences or
psychology, then a BSc Open degree is probably a
more likely option.
To qualify for a BA or BSc Open degree without
honours you will need:
300 points, of which at least 180 points must be
above Level 1 and, of these, at least 60 points must
be at Level 3.
For a BA or BSc Open degree with honours you will
need:
360 points, of which at least 240 points must be
above Level 1 and, of these, at least 120 points
must be at Level 3.
During your studies theres nothing to stop you

studying more than one subject. And, if you decide
after a while youd rather focus on courses from
a particular subject, you may be eligible for an
honours degree that names the subject BA or BSc
(Hons) International Studies (B11) or BA (Hons)
Literature (B02), for example. Talk to your education
department as early as possible if you are thinking
about switching to a degree in a named subject.
If youre uncertain right now of where your future lies,
an Open degree is perfect. You can keep an open
mind throughout, follow your interests and maybe
stretch yourself to study a course thats completely
different to anything youve ever done before.
All the courses listed on pages 38 to 72 can be
used towards an Open degree, subject to availability.
It may be possible for you to specialise in the
following subject areas:
Economics
History
International studies
Literature
Maths
Maths and statistics
but you can also take courses in other subjects if
they are available to you.
15
16
Qualifications
N.B. Before taking on the following, we recommend

that you successfully complete a relevant Openings
course see page 8 unless you have previously
studied at university level.
BA (Hons) Open degree an example

route through an Open degree with an
arts bias:
BSc (Hons) Open degree an example

route through an Open degree with a
science bias:
120 credit points at Level 1:
Level 1
Some typical routes to

an Open degree
Using mathematics (MST121) 30 points
Level 2
Plus 120 credit points at Level 2:
Level 2
Plus 120 credit points at Level 2:

Introducing the social sciences
(DD101) 60 points
And 120 credit points at Level 3:

Religion today: tradition, modernity
and change (AD317) 60 points
The nineteenth-century novel
(AA316) 60 points
In the above example, you would achieve a Diploma in
Literature (D65) on passing A210 and AA316, on the
way to completing your Open degree.
Pure mathematics (M208) 60 points

Environment (U216) 60 points
Approaching literature (A210) 60 points

Sociology and society
(DD201) 60 points
Level 3
Discovering mathematics
(MU123) 30 points
The arts past and present (AA100) 60 points
And 120 credit points at Level 3:

Groups and geometry (M336) 30 points
Level 3
Level 1
120 credit points at Level 1:
Environment: journeys through a

changing world (U116) 60 points
Complex analysis (M337) 30 points

Earth in crisis: environmental policy in an
international context (DU311) 60 points
In the above example, you would achieve a Certificate

in Mathematics (C46) on passing MU123 and
MST121, and a Diploma in Environmental Policy
(D46) on passing U216 and DU311, on the way to
completing your Open degree.
Qualifications
Arts and humanities
Arts and humanities is a rewarding and enjoyable area to study.

Exploring and analysing human culture and history, from ancient
civilisations through to the twenty-first century, gives us a deeper insight
into the world we live in and how we got here. Studying arts and humanities
with the OU will show that you can work independently, think critically and
read analytically, organise information and write clearly and coherently.
Diplomas
Diploma in Classical Studies (D31)
Update your knowledge and skills in classical
studies, with options to develop your classical Latin
and Greek, and explore aspects of Greek and
Roman social history, culture, politics and religion.
There are no entry requirements but you must be
suitably prepared for study at this level. The normal
preparation would be a Level 1 course such as
The arts past and present (AA100 page 38).
For this diploma you require 120 points from the
following Level 2 and Level 3 optional courses:
Level 2 optional courses
Course title
Course Points Page
Exploring the classical
A219
60
38
world
Reading classical Greek:
A275
60
38
language and literature
Reading classical Latin
A297
30
39
Level 3 optional courses
Continuing classical Latin A397
30
39
Culture, identity and power AA309
60
39
in the Roman Empire
Diploma in English Language Studies (D54)

Gain a critical understanding of the history of
English, its development as a global language and
use in different contexts today, and of theoretical
traditions and frameworks for studying language.
The arts past and present (AA100 page 38).
For this 120 point diploma you require:

60 points from the following compulsory
Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Exploring the English
U211
60
39
language
And 60 points from the following optional
Level 3 courses:
English grammar in context E303
60
39
The art of English
E301
60
39
Diploma in Literature (D65)

Update your knowledge and skills in literature studies
with this wide-ranging exploration of fiction, poetry
and drama, including options from twentieth century
writing to Shakespeare.
preparation would be the Level 1 course The arts past
and present (AA100 page 38).
Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Approaching literature
A210
60
41
Level 3 courses:
Shakespeare: text and
AA306
60
41
performance
The nineteenth-century
AA316
60
41
novel
A300
60
41
20th century literature:
texts and debates
17
18
Qualifications
Diploma in Literature and

Creative Writing (E25)
Update your knowledge and skills in literature
studies, creative writing and critical analysis, learning
how to construct a clear, logical argument and to
write clearly, concisely, and imaginatively.
The normal preparation for someone who had not
studied either creative writing or literature before would
be the Level 1 course The arts past and present
(AA100 page 38).
Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Creative writing
A215
60
41
Level 3 courses:
Advanced creative writing A363
60
41
Shakespeare: text and
AA306
60
41
performance
The nineteenth-century
AA316
60
41
novel
60
41
20th century literature: texts A300
and debates
Diploma in Music (D22)

Learn the basic techniques and styles of western
tonal music; then opt to study the musical processes
that lead from composition to performance, or the
relationship between words and music.
Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Understanding music:
A214
60
41
elements, techniques and
styles
Level 3 courses:
From composition to
AA302
60
41
performance: musicians at
work
Words and music
AA317
60
42
Diploma in Religious Studies (D66)

A fascinating chance to study world religions in
varied cultural and geographical contexts, with a
choice of focusing on religion either at the end of the
twentieth century, or in earlier periods of history.
60 points from the following Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Introducing religions
A217
60
42
Level 3 courses:
Religion in history:
AA307
60
42
conflict, conversion and
co-existence
Religion today: tradition,
AD317
60
42
modernity and change
Qualifications
Degrees
BA or BSc (Hons) European Studies (B10)
This degree allows you to combine courses on

different aspects of the arts what people thought,
made and practised and their meaning and values
in the past and today.
The arts past and present

(AA100 page 38) 60 points

(DD101 page 68) 60 points
Bon dpart: beginners French
(L192 page 52) 30 points
Ouverture: intermediate French
Art and its histories

(A216 page 40) 60 points
Envol: upper intermediate French

Europe: culture and identities in a contested

continent (AA300 page 38) 60 points
Art of the twentieth century
Other routes through this degree may be

available, check with your education department
for further information.
This degree is also available in the following
specialisms: art history; classical studies; English
language; French; German; history; literature;
media studies; music; philosophy; religious studies;
Spanish. To find out more about these options
contact your education department.
Level 2
From Enlightenment to Romanticism

c.17801830 (A207 page 38) 60 points
Understanding media
(DA204 page 71) 60 points
Level 3
You could achieve this 360-point honours degree by

studying the following courses:
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1

Investigate ideas about Europe by studying its

culture, history and politics. Youll be able to
communicate in at least one European language
other than English.
Level 1
BA (Hons) Humanities (B03)
Governing Europe
Mises au point: advanced French
Europe: culture and identities in a contested
continent (AA300 page 38) 60 points

19
20
Qualifications

Exploring the English language
(U211 page 39) 60 points
English grammar in context
(E303 page 39) 60 points
Other routes through this degree may be available,

check with your education department for further
information.
BA (Hons) Literature (B02)

You will study a variety of texts from Shakespeares
plays to contemporary writing, informed by current
critical debates.
Level 2
Level 1

studying the following courses along with 60 points
from any of the courses listed in this prospectus:
Level 3


Creative writing
Advanced creative writing

Level 3
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1

Explore concepts, theories, methods and debates in

philosophy and psychology, relevant to a broad range
of careers, including advertising and marketing,
social services, administration and management.
Level 1
Youll learn about the English language and how its

used around the world, and will study a wide range
of literary texts. You can also include creative writing.
BA (Hons) Philosophy and

Psychological Studies (B43)
Level 2
BA (Hons) English Language and

Literature (B39)

Exploring psychology
(DSE212 page 72) 60 points
Philosophy and the human situation
Thought and experience: themes in the
philosophy of mind (AA308 page 42) 60 points
Social psychology: critical perspectives on
self and others (DD307 page 72) 60 points

Qualifications
21
Through your OU studies youll learn about the way businesses operate,
and how they develop winning strategies, make decisions and manage risk.
Youll also gain valuable insight into key business functions such as finance,
human resources, ICT, and sales and marketing. In acquiring this real-world
knowledge, youll also develop a wide range of general business skills valued
by employers, such as communication, numeracy and presentation skills.
Certificates
Certificate in Business Studies (C63)
Improve your employability and awareness of
business issues with this qualification. Explore
business contexts and functions, and choose
options like maths, computing, social science,
communication or law.
For this 60-point certificate you require:
30 points from the following Level 1
compulsory course:
Course title
Course Points Page
An introduction to business B120
30
43
studies
And 30 points from the following Level 1
optional courses:
Data, computing and
M150
30
45
information
MU123
30
58
Introducing the social
DD101
60
68
sciences
Learning to change
Y165
10
9
Managing in the workplace B121
30
43
Networked living:
T175
30
47
exploring information
and communication
technologies
Rules, rights and justice:
W100
60
56
an introduction to law
Starting with law
Y166
10
10
Starting with maths
Y162
10
10
Understanding
Y159
10
13
management
Understanding society
Y157
10
13
Using mathematics
MST121
30
58
You and your money:
DB123
30
68
personal finance in context
On leaving prison, it may be possible for you to continue your studies to achieve
further qualifications (diplomas, degrees etc.) in this subject area.
22
Qualifications
Computing and ICT
We live in an age dominated by information and communication

technologies (ICTs). Virtually everything we do involves them. Most of us
simply take these technologies for granted, yet understanding how they
work is fascinating. Whether you simply have an enquiring mind, or want to
learn more about this fast-growing field in order to improve your prospects,
the OU offers a wide choice of study options to meet your needs.
Certificates
Diplomas
Certificate in Computing
and Mathematics (C50)
Diploma in Information Technology (D39)
This certificate introduces you to key techniques

of pure and applied mathematics, concepts and
processes of modern computing and information
systems, and some practical computing skills.
For this 60-point certificate you require:
30 points from the following Level 1
compulsory course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Data, computing and
M150
30
45
information
And 30 points from the following Level 1
optional courses:
MU123
30
58
Using mathematics
MST121
30
58
Certificate in Information Technology

and Computing (C47)
This certificate enables you to explore how
computers transform data into information, learn
to write simple programs, and develop your
understanding of networks and communication
technologies.
For this certificate you require 60 points from the
following compulsory Level 1 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Data, computing and
M150
30
45
information
Networked living:
T175
30
47
exploring information
and communication
technologies
If you have worked in IT or are thinking about doing

so, this diploma will improve your understanding of
current developments and help you develop the skills
you need to use such technology.
The normal preparation would be at least a Level 1
course Networked living: exploring information and
communication technologies (T175 page 47) is
particularly appropriate.
For this diploma you require 120 points, including
at least 30 points at Level 3, from the following
optional courses:
Level 2 optional courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Computers and
T224
30
45
processors
Designing applications
MT264
30
45
with Visual Basic
Ebusiness technologies:
T320
30
48
foundations and practice
Keeping ahead in
T324
30
49
information and
communication technologies
Technologies for digital
T325
30
49
media
Qualifications

preparation would be one of the Level 1 courses such
as Environment: journeys through a changing world
(U116 page 70), or Introducing the social sciences
(DD101 page 68) (or Introducing the social sciences
part one (DD131) and Introducing the social sciences
part two (DD132).
Studying both the design of products and computing

will give you the skills to work designing interactive
products like mobile phones, MP3 players and PDAs.
Data, computing and information
(M150 page 45) 30 points
Networked living: exploring information
and communication technologies
(T175 page 47) 30 points
Design and designing
Designing applications with Visual Basic
(MT264 page 45) 30 points
Fundamentals of interaction design
Level 3
For this diploma you require 120 points from

the following compulsory Level 2 and Level 3
courses:
Level 2 compulsory course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Understanding systems:
T214
60
48
making sense of
complexity
Managing complexity:
T306
60
49
a systems approach
BSc (Hons) Computing and Design (B44)
Level 1
Develop your skills in situation analysis, project

management and the design of inquiry processes
using systems ideas, techniques and methods, while
reflecting on your own systems practice.
Degrees
Level 2
Diploma in Systems Practice (D42)
Innovation: designing for a sustainable future

Natural and artificial intelligence
The computing project

information.
23
24
Qualifications

If you enjoy solving problems and have a good imagination youll find
engineering and technology stimulating and challenging fields of study.
Our cutting-edge qualifications and courses enable you to explore how
to design, engineer, and look at situations where technology and people
interact. Youll benefit from the highest-quality teaching supported by
our active research agenda, where we enjoy particular strengths in design,
forensic engineering and structural integrity.
Diplomas
Diploma in Design and Innovation (D43)
Gain a good understanding of the processes and
contexts of design, and skills in presenting and
communicating ideas; problem solving and creative
thinking; information searching and project planning.
It is recommended that students prepare for the
course by taking one of the Level 1 courses such as
Engineering the future (T173 page 47) or Networked
living: exploring information and communication
technologies (T175 page 47).
Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Design and designing
T211
60
48
And 60 points from the following compulsory
Level 3 course:
Innovation: designing for a T307
60
48
sustainable future
Diploma in Innovation, Economics

and Sustainability (E24)
Explore the issues involved in reconciling growth,
innovation and sustainability, and develop skills
in analysis, communication, problem solving,
information searching and project planning.
suitably prepared for study at this level. For this diploma
we particularly recommend Introducing the social
sciences (DD101 page 68) (or Introducing the social
sciences part one (DD131) and Introducing the social
sciences part two (DD132).
courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Economics and economic DD202
60
69
change
Innovation: designing for a T307
60
48
sustainable future
Qualifications
Health and social care is a vast service sector undergoing rapid change,
with new government initiatives giving it a higher profile than ever.
Providing help and care for those in need or who are vulnerable offers a
unique sense of personal fulfilment. Through OU study you can find out
what its like to become part of this essential and worthwhile sector.
Certificates
Diplomas
Certificate in Communication in Health

and Social Care (C73)
Diploma in Health and Social Care (D10)
Health and social care services are striving to improve

communication. This certificate will develop your
understanding of how service users and providers
communicate with, and relate to, each other. This
certificate is made up of a Level 3 course. There
are no entry requirements but you must be suitably
prepared for study at this level.
following Level 3 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Communication in health
K309
60
51
and social care
Certificate in Health and Social Care (D34)

Gain a broad, practical understanding of health and
social care, whether youre engaged in supporting,
nursing or caring for others, receive services yourself,
or simply have a general interest.
following compulsory Level 1 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
An introduction to health
K101
60
50
and social care
Certificate in Mental Health Studies (C94)

This certificate will develop your knowledge and
understanding of mental health and distress in relation
to individuals, institutions and the wider society.
Course title
Course Points Page
Challenging ideas in
K272
30
50
mental health
Diverse perspectives on
K225
30
50
mental health
Develop a sound understanding of policy, theory and

practice in health and social welfare, engaging with
the challenges facing professionals, services users
and policy makers in the UK today.
preparation would be the Level 1 course An introduction
to health and social care (K101 page 50).
For this 120-point diploma you require:
60 points from the following Level 2 course:
Course title
Course Points Page
Working for health
K203
60
51
Level 2 courses:
Challenging ideas in
K272
30
50
mental health
Death and dying
K260
30
50
Diverse perspectives on
K225
30
50
mental health
Human biology
SK277
30
66
Perspectives on
K221
30
50
complementary and
alternative medicine
The law and social work in K207
60
51
Scotland
Working with children
K204
60
51
and families
Or one of the following Level 2 courses (counting it
as only 30 points) instead of one of the above:
DSE212
60
72
International development: U213
60
48
challenges for a world in
transition
25
26
Qualifications
Degrees
BA or BSc (Hons) Health
and Social Care (B18)
This degree covers a broad range of topics relevant
to employment in the health and social care sectors.
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1

An introduction to health and social care
(K101 page 50) 60 points
Working for health

Medicine and society in Europe 15001930
Communication in health and social care
Promoting public health: skills, perspectives
and practice (K311 page 51) 60 points

information.
Qualifications
Languages
Do you want to communicate in a foreign language? Would you like to

gain an insight into French, German, Italian or Spanish-speaking cultures?
Maybe you regret not having pursued language studies at school?
Whatever your reason is for studying, learning a foreign language is an
enjoyable and rewarding experience that opens up new horizons. Learning
with the OU means youll be studying with the UKs largest provider of
open-entry, part-time language studies.
Certificates
Diplomas
Certificate in French (C33)
Diploma in French (D16)
Learn to read, write and speak in French, building your

knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, while developing
your understanding of the French people and culture.
Course title
Course Points Page
Bon dpart: beginners'
L192
30
52
French
Ouverture: intermediate
L120
30
52
French
Certificate in German (C34)

Learn to read, write and speak in German, building
your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, while
developing your understanding of the German people
and culture.
Course title
Course Points Page
Rundblick: beginners
L193
30
53
German
Auftakt: intermediate German L130
30
53
Certificate in Spanish (C35)

Learn to read, write and speak in Spanish, building
your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, while
developing your understanding of the Spanish people
and culture.
Course title
Course Points Page
Portales: beginners Spanish L194
30
54
En rumbo: intermediate
L140
30
54
Spanish
Learn how to communicate effectively in written and

spoken French, and find out about French-speaking
societies and cultures. You can study for the diploma
and stop there, or top up to a degree.
There are no entry requirements but you need a good
knowledge of the subject area, the normal preparation
would be the Level 1 course Ouverture: intermediate
French (L120 page 52).
courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Envol: upper intermediate L211
60
53
French
Mises au point: advanced L310
60
53
French
27
Qualifications

would be the Level 1 course Auftakt: intermediate
German (L130 page 53).
courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Motive: upper intermediate L203
60
54
German
Variationen: advanced
L313
60
54
German
Diploma in Spanish (D40)

Learn how to communicate effectively in written
and spoken Spanish, and find out about Spanishspeaking societies and cultures. You can study for
the diploma and stop there, or top up to a degree.
would be the Level 1 course En rumbo: intermediate
Spanish (L140 page 54).
courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Viento en popa: upper
L204
60
55
intermediate Spanish
A buen puerto: fast
L314
60
55
forward in Spanish
BA (Hons) Modern Language Studies (B30)

Combine the study of one or two foreign languages
(French, German, Spanish) with the study of English
language and linguistics.
You could achieve this 360-point honours degree,
with a focus on English and German, by studying the
following courses:
Level 1
Learn how to communicate effectively in written

and spoken German, and find out about Germanspeaking societies and cultures. You can study for
the diploma and stop there, or top up to a degree.
Degrees
Rundblick: beginners German

Auftakt: intermediate German
Level 2
Diploma in German (D24)
Level 3
28
Exploring the English language

(U211 page 39) 60 points
Motive: upper intermediate German
The art of English
(E301 page 39) 60 points
Variationen: advanced German
Other routes through this degree are available,

information.
Qualifications
29
Law
Law is a fascinating subject, with a great tradition and a dynamic future.

It is a foundation stone of society and plays an increasingly important and
visible role in virtually all areas of modern life. Social and environmental
responsibilities, the way businesses operate and international codes of
conduct are all determined and upheld by legal systems. If youre keen to
develop your legal knowledge, or simply want to learn for personal interest,
the OUs College of Law offers a range of specialist courses which you can
study on their own or use as stepping stones towards a qualification.
Certificates
Degrees
Certificate in Legal Studies (C77)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (B05)

Course title
Course Points Page
W100
60
56
Highly regarded, this degree will improve your legal
understanding and may enable you to pursue a
career in a legal setting.

Level 1
This certificate introduces the study of law and legal

reasoning: exploring the concepts of rules, rights and
justice, and the role of law in society. Its ideal if youre
considering a law degree.

(W100 page 56) 60 points
Develop your knowledge and understanding of

the law and legal system in England and Wales,
exploring the relationship between citizen and state
and the values that determine rights and duties.
We recommend that before attempting this diploma you
complete the Level 1 course Rules, rights and justice:
an introduction to law (W100 page 56). You may also
want to consider taking one of our Openings courses
Starting with law (Y166 page 10), as an introduction
to higher education.
Course title
Course Points Page
Understanding law
W200
60
56
Law: the individual
W201
60
56
and the state
Level 3
Diploma in English Law (E06)
Level 2
Diplomas
Understanding law
Law: the individual and the state
Law: agreements, rights and responsibilities
Law: ownership and trusteeship: rights and
responsibilities (W301 page 57) 60 points
30
Qualifications
Mathematics and statistics play a part in almost all daily activities. They
are at the heart of advances in science and technology, as well as being
indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tools in many areas
of life. OU programmes in mathematics and statistics include specialised
degrees and other qualifications, as well as courses to support your studies
in areas such as computer science, economics, engineering and physics.
Certificates
Certificate in Mathematics (C46)
This certificate provides a good introduction to pure
mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, using
modern mathematical software, and modelling real
world problems using mathematics.
following optional Level 1 and Level 2 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
MU123
30
58
Using mathematics
MST121
30
58
Level 2 optional course:
Exploring mathematics
MS221
30
59
Diplomas
Diploma in Mathematics (D23)
This diploma gives you a thorough grounding in pure
and applied mathematics.
Using mathematics (MST121 page 58), and ideally,
Exploring mathematics (MS221 page 59). In some
cases it may be advisable to study Discovering
mathematics (MU123 page 58) before MST121.
Course title
Course Points Page
Mathematical methods and MST209
60
59
models
Pure mathematics
M208
60
59
Diploma in Statistics (D44)

A thorough grounding in probability and statistics
including data analysis, applications of probability and
linear modelling, with a wide range of practical and
theoretical options to suit your needs and interests.
preparation would be one of the Level 1 courses
Discovering mathematics (MU123 page 58) or Using
mathematics (MST121 page 58).
Level 2 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Analysing data
M248
30
60
Practical modern statistics M249
30
60
And 60 points from the following compulsory
Level 3 courses:
Applications of probability M343
30
60
Linear statistical modelling M346
30
60
Qualifications
BA or BSc (Hons) Economics and

Mathematical Sciences (B15)
Youll gain a good grounding in a broad range of
mathematical, statistical and computational skills as well
as an understanding of economic theory and issues.
Using mathematics
(MST121 page 58) 30 points

studying the following courses along with 60 points from
any of the courses listed in this prospectus:
You and your money:

personal finance in context
(DB123 page 68) 30 points
Analysing data
Level 2
Mathematics with a focus on probability and statistics,

then one strand concentrating on either pure or
applied maths.
Economics and economic change

Other routes through this degree may be available, check

with your education department for further information.
Level 3
Level 3
Applications of probability
Practical modern statistics

Applications of probability
Mathematical methods and models

Doing economics: people, markets and policy

(MS221 page 59) 30 points
Mathematical methods and models

Linear statistical modelling

Using mathematics
Analysing data
Level 2
Level 1

BA or BSc (Hons) Mathematics

and Statistics (B36)
Level 1
Degrees
Linear statistical modelling

Computer algebra, chaos and simulations
Graphs, networks and design
(MT365 page 59) 30 points
Other routes through this degree may be available, check

with your education department for further information.
31
32
Qualifications
Science
The more you look into science the more fascinating it becomes.
Its all about creativity, discovery and problem solving. Science
is all around us, continuously unfolding, giving us the chance to
improve our social and economic future. Study science with the OU
and youll enhance your understanding of the world and enrich your
intellectual and personal development.
Certificates
Certificate in Contemporary Science (C70)
Get a taste for science by dipping into subjects as
diverse as human nutrition, genetics and health,
archaeology, life in the oceans, fossils and the history of
life and astronomy.
following optional Level 1 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Archaeology: the science
SA188
10
62
of investigation
Elements of forensic
S187
10
62
science
Fossils and the history
S193
10
62
of life
How the Universe works
S197
10
63
Human genetics and
SK195
10
63
health issues
Introducing astronomy
S194
10
63
Maths for science
S151
10
64
Molecules, medicines and SK185
10
64
drugs: a chemical story
Planets: an introduction
S196
10
65
Science starts here
S154
10
61
Understanding human
SK183
10
65
nutrition
Certificate in Natural Sciences (C26)

This certificate will develop your understanding of our
planet from the origin of life to the formation of the
universe, while developing your scientific, mathematical
and communication skills.
Course title
Course Points Page
Exploring science
S104
60
61
Qualifications
33
Social sciences
Thousands of students take social sciences courses with the OU each

year. The appeal is broad because the many subjects that come under the
social sciences umbrella are a window on everyday life in our communities,
families and workplaces. Exploring societys fundamental framework,
codes of conduct, and political and economic forces will enable you to make
more sense of whats happening in our rapidly changing world.
Diplomas
Diploma in Environment
and Development (D21)
Enlightened concern about global human welfare must
surely avoid polarising issues of the environment and
international development. This diploma encourages
you to consider the two topics together.
suitably prepared for study at this level. For this
diploma we particularly recommend the Level 1
course Introducing the social sciences (DD101
page 68) (or Introducing the social sciences part
one (DD131) and Introducing the social sciences
part two (DD132).
Course title
Course Points Page
Environment
U216
60
70
International development: U213
60
48
challenges for a world in
transition
Diploma in Environmental Policy (D46)

This diploma introduces the scientific, technological,
political and social backgrounds to todays most
urgent environmental issues.
preparation would be one of the Level 1 courses
Environment: journeys through a changing world
(U116 page 70) or Introducing the social sciences
(DD101 page 68) (or Introducing the social
sciences part one (DD131) and Introducing the
social sciences part two (DD132).

following compulsory Level 2 and Level 3 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Environment
U216
60
70
Earth in crisis:
DU311
60
70
environmental policy in
an international context
Diploma in Pollution Control (D13)

This diploma underpins professional practice in
pollution control and environmental engineering, from
air and water pollution, to solid waste management or
industrial noise control.
Exploring science (S104 page 61) or Environment:
journeys through a changing world (U116 page 70).
following compulsory Level 2 and Level 3 courses:
Course title
Course Points Page
Environmental control and T210
60
48
public health
Environmental monitoring, T308
60
48
modelling and control
34
Qualifications
Degrees
BA or BSc (Hons) International Studies (B11)

studying the following courses along with 60 points from
any of the courses listed in this prospectus:
Level 1

Living in a globalised world
A world of whose making?
(DU301 page 71) 60 points
Crime and justice

information.
This degree is also available in the following
specialisms: economics; environment; geography;
media studies; politics; psychological studies; social
policy; sociology. To find out more about these
options contact your education department.
In my experience, if Im able to go in for a

tutorial, I find that my prison students are
well prepared for my visit. They are enthusiastic
about the course and happy to have a go at
answering questions. Prison students are keen
to explain their understanding of course ideas
and themes. Like all students they look forward
to getting specific tips from their tutor to help
with forthcoming assignments!
OU Social Sciences tutor
Level 3
Level 3

Level 2

Level 2
How does society work? And how does it change?

Studying social science can change the way you look
at the world forever.
We live in an increasingly globalised world, where

relationships can stretch over thousands of miles, while
we barely notice the people we pass each day. How we
face these challenges is one of the issues addressed
by this degree.
Level 1
BA or BSc (Hons) Social Sciences (B06)

International development: challenges for a

world in transition (U213 page 48) 60 points
A world of whose making?
(DU301 page 71) 60 points
Living political ideas

Qualifications
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and

Economics (B45)

Level 2

Philosophy and the human situation
Level 3
Governing Europe
Doing economics: people, markets and policy
Thought and experience: themes in the
philosophy of mind (AA308 page 42) 60 points
Level 3

Level 2
You could achieve this 360-point honours degree

by studying the following courses:
Level 1
Our society is fascinated by crime and punishment.

This degree will help you understand the issues
behind the headlines.
Level 1
An internationally recognised combination of

subjects, providing you with the skills and an
understanding particularly relevant to many
areas of public service.
BA or BSc (Hons) Criminology and

Psychological Studies (B48)

(DSE212 page 72) 60 points
Welfare, crime and society
Crime and justice
Social psychology: critical perspectives on self
and others (DD307 page 72) 60 points


Prison students like reassurance about

how theyre getting on compared with my
other students, as they often dont have contact
with anyone else studying their course. They can
be surprised too to learn that my only contact
with some students on the outside is through
their assignments.
OU Social Sciences tutor
35
36
Courses
Courses
Whatever youre thinking of studying,

we strongly advise starting with a
Level 1 course. Most students in prison
take an Openings course first before
progressing on to a longer, broader Level
1 course. Level 2 study is demanding
and, like the second year study at any
university, would be a very challenging
place to start. Our students are most
successful when theyve done the
groundwork that Level 1 is specifically
designed to cover.
Courses
Arts and humanities
Computing and ICT
Languages
Law
Science
Social sciences
38
43
45
47
50
52
56
58
61
68
Otherwww.open.ac.uk/study
Click
subject-based prospectuses
or call are
+44available.
(0)845 300
Ask
60your
90 education department for more information.
Courses
Choosing a course and study pathway

The courses listed on the following pages are currently available in many prisons, subject to the agreement
of the education department. Some courses have study requirements that may not be possible for you and
others may have certain difficulties or limitations for students in prison. These criteria are indicated by a
requirements key against courses where it is applicable, as follows:
AE
Additional equipment
The nature of the additional equipment will depend on the course.

For example, it could require an energy-saving light bulb or some other
household or food item.
CAL
Calculator
This could be a basic, graphics or scientific calculator again dependent

on the course.
CCC
Course content check
Not all courses are suitable for all students. The prisons education
department will need to check whether the course is appropriate to you.
CD
CD player
Some materials provided in CD format.
COL
Collaborative work
Aspects of certain courses require collaboration between students.

The prison may therefore need at least two students studying the same
course to make it viable.
DVD
DVD player
Some materials provided in DVD format.
KIT
Home kit
Dependent on the nature of the home kit not all prison education
departments may allow the materials into the prison.
PC
Personal computer
Some materials provided via CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.
PCC
Professional contact
check
Certain Law courses require the tutor to have not had any professional
dealings with the student. The prison education department would need
to discuss this with the OU regional centre when applying for the course.
REC
Recording facilities
required
Language courses will require access to recording facilities for spoken

assessments or tasks. This could be a microphone with a cassette
recorder or a computer with microphone and recording software.
RP
Research project
Access may be required to a research library to complete the course

successfully. Dependent on the student this might be accessed
physically or online.
SB
Set books
Some additional books or DVDs are required. These are provided free to
students in receipt of OU funding but for other students may need to be
purchased by the prison on the students behalf.
TTS
Telephone tutor
support
Certain courses will only have tutor support available by telephone calls
supervised by the prison education department.
WBL
Work-based learning
Some courses require students to be working in or have access to a

particular environment within the prison (e.g. a gym).
WEB
Internet access
required
Supervised online access may be required for completion of certain

elements of the course or for materials to be downloaded. This can often
be done by the prison education department on the students behalf.
Assessment
key
TMA
Tutor-marked assignment
ECA
End-of-course assessment
The list of available courses is subject to change

as new courses begin and older ones end. Before
considering an application you should check with
your education department.
For reasons of space only brief descriptions of Level
2 and 3 courses are given here. Please ask your
education department for full descriptions of any of
these courses that interest you.
CMA
Computer-marked assignment
The OU offers further courses and qualifications

which will normally be available to you on your
release. Credit points gained while in prison can
count towards these qualifications.
37
38
Courses
Arts and humanities

Longer, broader Level 1 courses
New Understanding global heritage (AD281)
The arts past and present (AA100)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Points:
60 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
7 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, SB, WEB

This broadly-focused course introduces you to
university-level study in the arts across a range of
subject areas, including history, art history, philosophy,
classical studies, history of science, religious studies,
music and English. It is structured around four themes,
guiding you through some of the basic concerns
of arts subjects: Reputations; Tradition and Dissent;
Cultural Encounters; and Place and Leisure.
Requirements: DVD, PC, SB, WEB

Introduces the study of heritage and its function from
local to global levels; examines how heritage is created
and its roles in contemporary and past societies.
Interdisciplinary study Level 3

We strongly advise that you do not begin your studies
at Level 3.
Europe: culture and identities in

a contested continent (AA300)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Your studies will range from poetry to string quartets,

and from sculpture to short stories across a wide
variety of cultures and historical periods. The course is
also a useful means of acquiring the key skills required
for further study of arts subjects.
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 Arts / Social sciences

courses
Studying diverse subjects ranging from the reputation

of Cleopatra to the paintings of Cezanne, from the
tyranny of Stalin to the social history of the British
seaside resort, you will be introduced to subjectspecific skills such as differentiating between primary
and secondary sources, and understanding and
interpreting varied points of view.
How do individuals come to define who they are? What

does it mean to be European? This interdisciplinary
course examines the complex nature of identity.
This will enable you to develop an understanding of

how we construct ideas of the past. Youll acquire
competencies in visual analysis and the critical
reading of literary texts and will be introduced to
varied musical repertoires that will help develop your
close listening skills. With AA100 as the basis for your
studies, you will have a good grounding in a range of
subjects and their methodologies.
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Interdisciplinary study Level 2
Requirements: CD, DVD, SB
Classical studies Level 2

Exploring the classical world (A219)
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, SB

Develop your interest in classical Greece and Rome,
studying everything from Homer to Roman social
history, and evaluating ancient sources from poetry
to archaeology.
Reading classical Greek:
From Enlightenment to Romanticism:

c. 17801830 (A207)
New language and literature (A275)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Develop your critical understanding of this crucially

formative period in modern European history, through
key texts associated with the epoch-making transition
from Enlightenment to Romanticism.
Teaches beginners the basic vocabulary and grammar

needed to start reading classical Greek texts in the
original and introduces the culture of classical Greece.
Other subject-based prospectuses are available. Ask your education department for more information.
Courses
Reading classical Latin (A297)
English language Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Exploring the English language (U211)
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Requirements: CD
This beginners course teaches all you need to know
about Latin vocabulary, grammar and language
structures to start reading Roman writers in the original.
Classical studies Level 3

at Level 3.
Continuing classical Latin (A397)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
A297
Requirements: CD, SB
Build on your knowledge of Latin grammar and
vocabulary and learn to read and appreciate the great
works of Roman literature, from Catullus to Virgil.
Culture, identity and power

in the Roman empire (AA309)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
A219
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Requirements: DVD, PC, WEB

This interdisciplinary course is for anyone interested
in the English language its history, influence, past
and present usage, and how it can be analysed.
English language Level 3

at Level 3.
English grammar in context (E303)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
U211
Requirements: PC, SB
Understand how English works in a wide range
of contexts, including the media, academic writing
and everyday conversation, on this practical and
intellectually stimulating course.
The art of English (E301)

What did it mean to be Roman in the Roman Empire?
Examine the different effects of imperial power on
conquests from Britain to North Africa.
Myth in the Greek and Roman

New worlds (A330)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
A219
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Jan 2010, Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
U211
Requirements: PC, SB
Explore creativity in the English language: from
everyday use (conversation, childrens language,
correspondence, online chat) to high culture literary
language and contemporary media texts.
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC

The course will attempt to cover diverse aspects
of the culture of the classical world by means of
case-studies based, in the first instance, on primary
evidence taken from a range of media.
Full descriptions of the requirements in the tables above can be found on page 37.
39
40
Courses
History Level 3
at Level 3.
History of art Level 3

at Level 3.
Film and television history (AA310)
Art of the twentieth century (AA318)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 A or D course
Prerequisite:
A216
The social and cultural influence of film and television

has been enormous in the Western world. Explore how
and why, and how audiences have reacted.
Explore the key media, artists and movements which

have revolutionised the concept and practice of art
in modern times from painting and sculpture to
performance art.
Total war and social change:

Europe 19141955 (AA312)
Renaissance art reconsidered (AA315)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
A216
This course explores the part that total war played in the
seismic transformation of society that occurred during
the first half of the twentieth century.
Renaissance art wasnt just confined to Italy, as

traditional courses would have it discover new
social, geographical and subject areas where its
influence was felt.
History of art Level 2

Art and its histories (A216)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103

A broad introduction to art history spanning the
Renaissance to the present day, exploring different
approaches to analysing art through detailed study
of individual works.
History of science, technology

and medicine Level 2
Medicine and society in Europe 15001930
(A218)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103

This fascinating introduction to medical history
explores the social, political and economic contexts
of western medicine and its interaction with
contemporaneous science, religion and philosophy.
Courses
Literature and creative writing Level 2
Shakespeare: texts and performance (AA306)
Approaching literature (A210)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
A210
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103

This introduction to studying literature fiction,
poetry and drama considers questions like the
meaning of texts, and how a play moves from page
to performance.

Develop your knowledge of the range and variety of
Shakespeares dramatic work, as well as how it has
been perceived critically since it was written.
The nineteenth-century novel (AA316)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Creative writing (A215)
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Points:
60 at Level 2
Prerequisite:
A210
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Novels of this period were particularly engaged with the

events, beliefs and attitudes of their time. This course
encourages you to enjoy and understand them.
Requirements: CD, PC, WEB

This practical creative writing course identifies your
strengths and interests, and helps you develop as a
writer of fiction, poetry, biography, autobiography or
travel writing.
Literature and creative writing Level 3

at Level 3.
20th century literature: texts and debates

(A300)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
A210

Gain a new appreciation and understanding of great
twentieth-century literature both the writing itself
and the excitement and controversy it caused in its
own time.
Advanced creative writing (A363)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
A215
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, WEB

Improve your creative writing skills by widening
your range including style, including fiction,
poetry, drama and life writing and developing your
individual style and voice.
Music Level 2
Understanding music: elements,
techniques and styles (A214)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
Requirements: AE, CD, DVD, KIT, SB

This practical and theoretical course teaches basic
techniques and styles of western classical music,
including analysing harmony and form, keyboard
playing, score reading and composition.
Music Level 3
at Level 3.
From composition to performance:

musicians at work (AA302)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
A214
Requirements: CD, DVD

Examine the processes by which music is created and
transmitted composition, improvisation, performance,
editing, and publication across a wide variety of
musical traditions and periods.
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42
Courses
Words and music (AA317)
Religious studies Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Introducing religions (A217)
Prerequisite:
A210 or A214

Song is, and always has been, central to humanity.
But why? Explore possible answers through a huge
diversity of time periods, musical styles and literature.
Philosophy Level 2
Philosophy and the human situation (A211)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103
An introduction to philosophy grounded in familiar
questions about our own situation, including attitudes
towards animals, the acceptable limits of individual
freedom and environmental ethics.
Philosophy Level 3
at Level 3.
Thought and experience:

themes in the philosophy of mind (AA308)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
A211

Explore central questions concerning the nature and
activities of the human mind, focusing in particular
on emotion, thought and language, imagination and
creativity, and consciousness.
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
AA100 or A103

This course introduces six major religions: Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism;
exploring beliefs, practices, concepts and principles
and their influence on world affairs.
Religious studies Level 3

at Level 3.
Religion in history: conflict, conversion

and coexistence (AA307)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Why has religion led to conflict? Is peaceful coexistence
possible? Explore perennially fascinating questions,
gaining a better understanding of contemporary
problems through a historical perspective.
Religion today:
tradition, modernity and change (AD317)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:

This study of religious beliefs, ideas and practices
around the world explores their wider contexts
and considers whether secularism will be the death
of religion.
Courses
Business studies
An introduction to business studies (B120)
Managing in the workplace (B121)

Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
May 2010, Nov 2010, May 2011
Length:
6 months
Points:
30 at Level 1
Assessment:
1 TMA, 1 ECA
Start:
May 2010, Nov 2010, May 2011
Prerequisite:
B120 or BU130 or other (list available)
Length:
6 months
Requirements: PC, WBL
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: PC, WEB

This course is the first in our business studies degree
and forms the core of the Certificate in Business
Studies (C63). It explores the question what is a
business? and investigates the business functions of
human resource management, marketing, accounting
and finance. Different internal and external elements
of a business are introduced, and the context in
which a business operates explained. Youll explore
the common aims and characteristics of business
investigating what makes them different. Business
structures, cultures and functions are identified
and the political, social, economic, technological
and ethical considerations affecting business are
introduced. Youll also be encouraged to make use of
Internet resources.
The course consists of five study books:
What is a business?
An introduction to human resources in business
An introduction to marketing in business
An introduction to accounting and finance in
business
Other ways of looking at business
plus a Study Companion to guide you through
the course.
In addition to improving your employability and
awareness of business issues, the course will also
help you to develop the necessary skills for studying
at more advanced university levels.
This course is for anyone with an interest in business.
No work or management experience, or previous
educational qualifications are assumed.
If youve completed vocational study at level 3 and

you want to move into undergraduate study, this
course is for you. Its also suitable if youve studied
An introduction to business studies (B120) and want
to complete the Certificate in Business Studies (C63)
or gain 30 points at Level 1 towards our BA (Hons)
Business Studies (B04). The course introduces
management ideas and uses activities to build
on your existing knowledge and skills. Youll also
use your own workplace experiences to develop
an academic understanding of management and
valuable study skills, which youll demonstrate by
writing about management and reflecting on your
own skills as a learner.
This course begins with a brief outline of the type of
learning and subject areas that it covers. It then helps
you to assess your own learning style and preferences,
so that you will know how to tackle the work ahead.
You will look at six areas of management. These include:
strategy and the organisation
marketing
finance
leadership, management and motivation
managing people
monitoring and evaluation.
Using a textbook, youll carry out various activities
asking you to compare the theories that you are
reading about with what you see around you in your
workplace. Some of the activities may be similar to
those you have done in your previous work-based
learning. Some of them will be new, and have been
designed to help you develop your academic skills.
These include: critical reading; note-taking for a
range of purposes; recognising and evaluating
arguments; and learning how to write clearly.
By the end of the course youll have developed a
new, more theoretical understanding of how and why
managers do what they do in organisations. Youll
build a toolkit of management concepts, theories
and models that you can use to tackle workplace
issues. Youll also feel more confident in embarking
on further undergraduate study.
43
44
Courses
Business studies Level 2

Business functions in context (B203)
Management, leadership and

development Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Making it happen!
Leadership, influence and change (B204)
Prerequisite:
B120
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
A practice-based course about how five essential

organisational functions human resources;
marketing; operations management; information
management; and accounting and finance operate
and integrate within business.
Prerequisite:
B120
Business studies Level 3

at Level 3
Investigating entrepreneurial opportunities

(B322)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Nov 2010

If youre considering starting your own venture,
this course helps you test your ideas to arrive at
a business proposition with ambitious yet
attainable objectives.
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, WBL, WEB

A practical, work-based course about leadership
and change practice about making things happen
applicable to your current and future roles, whether
paid or unpaid.
Management, leadership and

development Level 3
at Level 3.
Marketing and society (B324)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
May 2010, May 2011
Prerequisite:
B204
Requirements: AE, PC, WEB

Explore the theory and practice of responsible
marketing, the interrelated areas of corporate social
responsibility and marketing ethics, and the emergent
area of social marketing.
Courses
Computing and ICT

Level 2
Data, computing and information (M150)
Building blocks of software (M263)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Length:
9 months
Prerequisite:
M150
Assessment:
5 TMAs, 1 CMA

This course explains the mechanisms used by
computers to accomplish different tasks, how they
are embedded into hardware and software, and
teaches you how to write simple programs.
The major theme of M150 is the transformation of data
into information using computers. You will learn how:
external stimuli are captured as data, then
reproduced or transformed using a computer
such a transformation is achieved by choosing a
suitable code for representing each of these things
and assigning meanings to that code
data is organised so that it can be displayed in
various ways, as text, sound or computer graphics
one form of data can be transformed into another,
so that a computer can process it and we can
understand it
data stored at one location can be accessed
elsewhere, and the consequences of such freedom
of information
computer programs are designed and how they work.
You will also learn to write simple programs. This will
provide you with the basic knowledge required for
further study of computing if you wish to continue with
the subject. If your interests lie elsewhere, you will find
that what you learn will enable you to use a computer
to produce better information (whether it be a website,
a document, a piece of music, or a picture) and to
combine different types of information successfully.
The course is not just for those who wish to gain more
technical knowledge or study computing: youll be
able to make full use of the creative possibilities of
your computer. But it is also a course that we hope
is interesting in its own right: a course that explains
a modern technical revolution in terms of everyday
concepts that you are already familiar with, such
as language, drawings, and sound. You should
be familiar with using a word processor, installing
software from CD-ROM and accessing the Internet.
This introductory course is for those intending to

specialise in computing. It looks at the formal and
theoretical concepts needed to study the subject.
Computers and processors (T224)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 1 course

This course explores the diversity of computer
applications and describes the fundamental
components of computer systems, covering topics
such as operating systems, processors, and memory.
Designing applications with Visual Basic

(MT264)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
M150

Learn to write small applications using Visual Basic
Express and object-oriented programming, from a
simple traffic survey to more complex, databaselinked applications.
Object-oriented programming with Java

(M255)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M150

Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented
approach to software development, using up-to-date
analytical techniques and processes essential for
specification, design and implementation.
45
46
Courses
Software development with Java (M256)
Natural and artificial intelligence (M366)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M255 and M257
Prerequisite:
M255 and M150
Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented

approach to software development, using up-to-date
analytical techniques and processes essential for
specification, design and implementation.
Explore one of humanitys oldest dreams the creation

of intelligent machines taking in ideas from biology
and philosophy as well as computing and technology.
Putting Java to work (M257)
Relational databases: theory and practice

(M359)
Points:
20 at Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M255 or M263
Prerequisite:
M255

Learn to use the full power of the object-oriented
programming language Java, and become well
equipped to work on small-scale industrial software
projects.
Level 3
at Level 3.
Developing concurrent distributed systems

(M362)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M257 or M254

Gain an advanced and detailed insight into relational
databases of direct benefit to those interested in the
planning, design and operation of a database.
Software engineering with objects (M363)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M256 and M257

Designing, building and testing software systems can
be a complicated process. This course offers you the
intellectual tools to make the tasks involved easier.
The computing project (M450)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Study the theory and practice of developing concurrent

distributed computing systems, learn about advanced
use of Java, and examine heterogeneous and mobile
systems and security.
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Level 3 computing course
Fundamentals of interaction design (M364)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M255 and M150

Acquire practical skills and theoretical tools to analyse,
design and evaluate interactive products that surround
our everyday lives from websites to drinks dispensers.

The computing project offers practical experience of
independent learning and reflective practice, and is a
compulsory element of many of our computing and ICT
qualifications.
Prison students face many of the same
problems that all OU students have to deal
with; lack of time, difficulties with understanding
the materials, lack of space to take and keep
notes, nobody to talk OU with and a lack of
confidence in their own abilities. Sometimes
simply talking to a tutor or advisor helps in the
same way it helps any other OU student.
Computing tutor
Courses

Engineering the future (T173)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
5 TMAs, 1 examination
Requirements: CAL, CD, DVD, PC, WEB

From design concepts to the manufacture of
products, this course examines the range of
human activity that is engineering. It introduces
the context in which engineers operate and looks
at current engineering practice. It considers some
of the developments in engineering methods and
applications that will shape the future. The course is
ideal as a general introduction if you simply have an
interest in what engineering is and how it is practised
in modern society; and also if youre considering
studying engineering at higher levels and wish to
acquire more specialised skills.
T173 provides an introduction to some more
specialised skills and knowledge, such as aspects of
engineering principles and engineering science that
you will need if you go on to higher-level engineering
courses. It is presented through five main themes.
Historical development how engineering has
developed step by step over the years, with new
developments building on earlier knowledge.
Design a look at different aspects of the design
process, from conceptual product design to the
physical requirements of materials to make a product.
Rules how engineers work within a framework of
rules such as engineering standards, patent law,
environmental legislation, and the fundamental laws
of physics.
Manufacturing how raw materials are obtained for
industry, from metal extraction to the fabrication of
plastics. How materials are used to produce a final
product, whether it is a light bulb or a suspension
bridge.
Pushing back the boundaries how engineering
applications will develop during the twentyfirst century, including engineering implants
for our bodies, remote probes for the planets
and intelligent machines. We show how fairly
conventional engineering principles can have novel
and exciting applications.
Within each theme you will develop both your study

skills and skills related to engineering: the course will
enable you to read technical information critically and
to understand the fundamental engineering science
behind it.
Networked living: exploring information

and communication technologies (T175)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 3 CMAs, 1 ECA

This course will take you on a journey towards
understanding information and communication
technologies. You will study examples of ICT systems,
learn about the concepts they are based on, and
consider the contexts in which they are used. You
will also develop the skills needed to learn effectively
about these systems, both in this course and in your
further studies.
The course is organised as four blocks:
Block 1 Living in a networked world introduces you to
some of the concepts and contexts that you will study
in more depth as you progress through the course.
Block 2 Communication and identity focuses on
networks, and looks at how they can connect and
identify people, information and devices. The block
explains, in simple terms, how the internet works, and
explores what it can be used for. It also introduces other
networks, such as those used in smart homes.
Block 3 Entertainment and information looks at
how information and communication technologies
have transformed entertainment and broadcasting.
It explains fundamental concepts in the context of
digital images, film, computer games, newsgathering
and broadcasting. As part of this block, you will use
spreadsheets to create some simple models that are
important for understanding ICT systems.
Block 4 Health, transport and government explores
three contexts in which ICTs are becoming increasingly
important. The range of such applications used
in health, transport and government is developing
rapidly, and this will have significant implications for our
networked lives.
47
48
Courses
Level 2
Design and designing (T211)
Understanding systems:
making sense of complexity (T214)
Points:
Points:
60 at Level 2
60 at Level 2
Start:
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Prerequisite:
Any Level 1 course
Any Level 1 course

Discover the design processes that generate
products, gain an understanding of basic design
skills, and find out what being a designer involves.
Energy for a sustainable future (T206)

Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 1 course

Is environmentally sustainable energy just a pipe
dream? Explore the sustainability problems of current
fuel use, and examine more efficient use of energy,
including renewables.
Environmental control and public health

(T210)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
T172 or U116 or S103 or S104
Requirements: DVD, KIT, PC, WEB

Gain an understanding of environmental and
pollution management; how our natural resources
are affected by human activity; effects of pollution on
health; monitoring and legislation.
International development:
challenges for a world in transition (U213)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 1 course

This course introduces the main issues associated
with meeting the challenges of international
development, in the context of changing global,
political and economic circumstances.
Explore how systems thinking makes sense of

technological, environmental and social systems
examining connections and relationships between
things, and the different perspectives of those involved.
Level 3
at Level 3.
Ebusiness technologies:
foundations and practice (T320)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Level 2 IT courses

This course explores the driving forces behind
developments in ebusiness, introducing the
fundamental technologies and protocols upon which
new systems and services can be built.
Environmental monitoring,
modelling and control (T308)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
T210

Drinking water supply, air quality management, noise
control and solid waste are the main themes of this
course, concluding with an environmental impact
assessment project.
Innovation: designing for a

sustainable future (T307)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
T211 helpful

This project-based course looks at how successful
innovations emerge, and how innovation can be
directed towards ensuring a socially, economically
and environmentally sustainable future.
Courses
Keeping ahead in information and

communication technologies (T324)
Technologies for digital media (T325)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Level 2 IT courses
Prerequisite:
Level 2 IT courses

Investigate how to keep pace with rapid changes
in ICT, and how to use ICT successfully in complex
systems where people play a major part.
Digital technologies are transforming our

experience of media. This course will enable
you to understand how, and looks at related
social, ethical and legal issues.
Managing complexity: a systems approach

(T306)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
T214 or T205
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, RP

Working on your own project throughout this course,
you will practise and develop your systems thinking
and project management skills in handling
complex issues.
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50
Courses
Level 2
An introduction to health and social care

(K101)
Challenging ideas in mental health (K272)
Points:
60 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Requirements: DVD, PC, SB

Care is constantly in the headlines because it involves
such a huge workforce and huge budgets, and
profoundly affects so many lives. And what makes
it such a fascinating subject to study is the pace of
change as society develops, technology advances
and new forms of care evolve. The course takes
you into the lives of care workers and care service
users through in-depth case studies, using the latest
techniques of an interactive DVD. It has frequent
activities to set you thinking drawing on your own
ideas and experience to deepen your learning and
help you understand the essentials of good practice.
Block 1: Who cares? paints a broad picture of care
in the UK, ranging from the caring within families, to
primary health care, acute care in hospitals and social
care in the community. You will explore the diversity
and sensitivity of care situations, the wide variety of
modern care services, the intricate interconnections
between them and what it is like to care and to receive
care.
Block 2: Working with life experience explores the
impact of care needs and care services on peoples
sense of identity and self-worth.
Block 3: Diverse communities and resources for care
asks how a community can respond to the needs of
different groups of people.
Block 4: People and places: contexts of care
explores the settings where care takes place and is
managed.
Block 5: Making care safer? examines how care
can go wrong and what individuals can do to try to
prevent this.
Block 6: The shaping of care services in the UK
examines care policies at the national level. It looks at
the founding of the Welfare State and considers how
health and social care services have developed and
changed in subsequent decades.
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100
Requirements: CD, PC
Take a new look at mental health, considering the views
of all concerned (especially people experiencing
mental distress), debating hotly contested ideas and
exploring practice.
Death and dying (K260)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100

Explore how society handles death, how care for
dying people has changed, the impact of palliative
care, and the complex ethical dilemmas involved in
decision-making.
Diverse perspectives on mental health (K225)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100

What causes mental distress and what can be done
about it? Explore factors that shape our understanding
of mental health, service provision and practice.
Perspectives on complementary
and alternative medicine (K221)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100

Debate the controversial issues surrounding
complementary and alternative approaches to health,
including whether complementary and alternative
medicine works, and how it can be integrated into
mainstream provision.
Courses
The law and social work in Scotland (K207)
Managing care (K303)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 course
Requirements: CD, PC, SB, WEB

Examine legal frameworks that shape and regulate
social work decision making in Scotland, and their
value from different perspectives, including service
users, carers and professionals.
Working for health (K203)

Gain the knowledge, skills and analytical tools needed
to become an effective frontline manager in a range of
care settings and reflect critically on practice.
Promoting public health:

skills, perspectives and practice (K311)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Points:
60 at Level 3
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 course
Explore debates around human health from

the influence of stress, housing, transport and
employment, to individual lifestyles, public health
concerns, NHS policy and service delivery.
Requirements: DVD, SB
Working with children and families (K204)

Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010
Prerequisite:
K101 or K100

Explore effective work with children and families and
investigate issues like legal and policy frameworks,
valuing diversity, child protection, promoting quality
parenting and childrens rights.
Level 3
Challenge your own assumptions around public health

promotion policies and interventions, and gain the
knowledge and confidence to move your everyday
actions and practice forward.
Youth: perspectives and practice (KE308)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
K204 or U212

Deepen your understanding of young peoples lives and
the policies and practices that shape them, and develop
a reflexive approach to work with young people.
Working together for children (KE312)

at Level 3.
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Communication in health and social care

(K309)
Prerequisite:
K204 or U212
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 course
Gain the skills and knowledge essential for working

with children aged 012, focusing on listening to
children, promoting childrens well-being and multiagency working.
Requirements: CCC, DVD, PC, WEB
Requirements: CD, DVD, SB, PC, WEB

Investigate communication interpersonal, institutional
or social in health and social care contexts, explore
how practice can be improved, and reflect on your
own experiences.
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Courses
Languages
French
Bon dpart: beginners French (L192)
Ouverture: intermediate French (L120)

Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
9 months
Points:
30 at Level 1
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 1 ECA
Start:
Nov 2010
Prerequisite:
L192
Length:
11 months
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, REC, SB, WEB
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: CD, PC, REC, SB, WEB

Bon dpart: beginners French is the first course
in the Universitys Certificate in French (C33),
designed to give you the skills you need to speak
and understand simple French in everyday contexts.
No previous knowledge of French is required. Using
the theme of a journey, Bon depart: beginners
French explores life in France and introduces you to a
wide range of practical situations such as travelling,
shopping, working and eating out. Study resources
include printed course books and audio CDs which
support independent learning. Together, theyll give
you not just language skills but a real feel for Frenchspeaking cultures too.
The course is based around six books and has at its
core the following elements:
user-friendly, bite-sized information dealing with
language and cultural aspects
gradual development of study and language skills
development of basic vocabulary and set phrases
audio material, featuring recordings made in
Avignon, and a wide variety of speaking exercises
regular revision activities and self-assessment tests
to monitor your progress
The course materials are carefully structured and
graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise
the language in realistic contexts, with an emphasis on
listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course
you will be able to speak and understand simple
language and have developed an understanding of
key aspects of French life.
Bon dpart: beginners French will enable you to
reach roughly GCSE level (grades A-C) or Scottish
standard Grades 1 and 2 and is an ideal preparation
for Ouverture: intermediate French (L120). No prior
knowledge of French is required. The outcome of this
course is of a level comparable to A2 as defined by
the Council of Europe.
Ouverture: intermediate French follows on from Bon

dpart: beginners French (L192) to complete the
Certificate in French (C33). It revises and consolidates
the knowledge of French you already have and
teaches more advanced language in the context of
French-speaking societies and French culture. Study
resources including printed course books and
interactive DVD-ROMs are carefully designed to
develop the four language skills of speaking, listening,
reading and writing. They provide clear learning
objectives, guidance and model answers. The course
also teaches good study skills and language-learning
strategies.
The course will develop your confidence in
understanding, speaking, reading and writing French,
whether you want to improve your French for personal
or vocational reasons. It offers insights into many
aspects of everyday life in modern France, so you
should also gain a better understanding of issues
that concern French people. The DVD-ROMs include
video and audio clips and a wide range of interactive
language activities to develop your speaking and
listening skills.
Ouverture: intermediate French requires a working
knowledge of French. It is ideal for students who
have successfully completed Bon dpart: beginners
French (L192) or who have reached a similar linguistic
standard, roughly equivalent to O-level, GCSE
(grades A-C) or Scottish Standard Grades 1 and 2.
Your knowledge need not be formal, it could come
from adult education classes, time spent in Frenchspeaking countries, regular contact with Frenchspeaking people or other sources. You should be able
to understand the gist of what native speakers say
and to hold a basic conversation in French in everyday
situations such as talking about yourself, your family
and where youre from; booking a hotel, or asking for
directions. The outcome of this course is of a level
comparable to B1 as defined by the Council
of Europe.
Courses
French Level 2
Envol: upper intermediate French (L211)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
L120
Requirements: CD, DVD, REC, SB, TTS, WEB

Extend your French language skills and cultural
knowledge with this upper intermediate course.
French Level 3
at Level 3.
By the end of the course you will have gained many

insights into the lives of people from Germanspeaking countries, as well as a sound basic
knowledge of the language. All course materials are
designed to support independent learning right from
the start. Introductions and linking texts are in English
and are carefully designed to guide you through the
study sessions. There is a wide range of activities,
with clear explanations and extensive feedback.
Rundblick beginners German will enable you to
reach roughly GCSE level (grades A-C), or Scottish
standard Grades 1 and 2, and is an ideal preparation
for Auftakt: intermediate German (L130). No prior
knowledge of German is required. The outcome of
this course is of a level comparable to A2 as defined
by the Council of Europe.
Auftakt: intermediate German (L130)
Mises au point:
advanced French (L310)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
9 months
Prerequisite:
L211
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: DVD, PC, REC, WEB
Prerequisite:
L193
Extend your French language skills speaking,

listening, reading and writing develop your
knowledge of contemporary French culture, and
complete the Diploma in French (D16).
Requirements: DVD, PC, REC, SB, WEB
German
Rundblick: beginners German (L193)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Nov 2010
Length:
11 months
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 ECA

Rundblick beginners German is the first course
in the Universitys Certificate in German (C34),
designed to develop the skills you need to speak and
understand simple German in everyday situations.
No previous knowledge of German is required.
Using the theme of a journey, the course explores
life in German-speaking countries and communities
worldwide through topics relevant to adult learners
such as impressions of Germany, Austria and
Switzerland; travelling; lifestyles; cultural events; and
technology. Study resources include printed course
books and audio CDs which support independent
learning. Together, theyll give you not just language
skills but a real feel for German-speaking countries
and communities too.
Auftakt: intermediate German follows on from

Rundblick: beginners German (L193) to complete
the Certificate in German (C34). It revises and
consolidates the knowledge of German you already
have and teaches more advanced language in
the context of German-speaking countries and
communities. Study resources including printed
course books and interactive DVD-ROMs are
carefully designed to develop the four language
skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
understanding, speaking, reading and writing
German, whether you want to improve your German
for personal or for vocational reasons. It offers
insights into many aspects of everyday life in modern
Germany and Austria. The course includes two study
guides, two DVD-ROMs and a reading and writing
book. The DVD-ROMs include video and audio clips
and a wide range of interactive language activities
to develop your speaking and listening skills. The
reading and writing book will develop your reading
and writing skills.
Auftakt: intermediate German requires a working
knowledge of German. It is ideal for students who
have successfully completed Rundblick: beginners
German (L193) or who have reached a similar
standard, roughly equivalent to O-level, GCSE
(grades A-C) or Scottish Standard Grades 1 and 2.
Your knowledge need not be formal. It could come
from adult education classes, time spent in Germanspeaking countries, regular contact with Germanspeaking people or other sources. You should be
53
54
Courses
able to understand the gist of what native speakers

say and hold a basic conversation in German, in
everyday situations such as talking about yourself,
your family and where youre from; booking a hotel;
or asking for directions. The outcome of this course
is of a level comparable to B1 as defined by the
Council of Europe.
German Level 2
Motive: upper intermediate German (L203)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
L130
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, REC, TTS, WEB

Extend your German language skills and cultural
knowledge with this upper intermediate course.
German Level 3
at Level 3.
Variationen: advanced German (L313)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
L203
dedicated website with additional online activities.

Together, theyll give you not just language skills but a
real feel for Hispanic cultures as well.
The course is based around six books and has at its
core the following elements:
rich source of audio material, featuring recordings
made in Valencia, songs, radio documentaries and
plenty of speaking exercises
to monitor your progress.
the language in realistic contexts, with an emphasis
on listening and speaking skills. By the end of the
course you will be able to speak and understand
simple language. You will also have developed an
understanding of aspects of Spanish and Latin
American society and culture.
Portales: beginners Spanish will enable you to
reach roughly GCSE level (grades A-C) or Scottish
Standard Grades 1 and 2, and is an ideal preparation
for En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140). No prior
knowledge of Spanish is required. The outcome of
this course is of a level comparable to A2 as defined
by the Council of Europe.

Extend your German language skills speaking,
knowledge of contemporary German culture, and
complete the Diploma in German (D24).
Spanish
Portales: beginners Spanish (L194)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Nov 2010
Length:
11 months
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 ECA

Portales: beginners Spanish is the first course in the
Universitys Certificate in Spanish (C35), designed to
develop the skills you need to speak and understand
simple Spanish in everyday contexts. Using the
theme of a journey, the course takes you through a
shopping, working and eating out in Spain, Chile
and other Spanish-speaking countries. No previous
knowledge of Spanish is required. Study resources
include printed course books and audio CDs
which support independent learning and theres a
En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140)

Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
11 months
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 1 ECA
Prerequisite:
L194
Requirements: DVD, PC, REC, SB, WEB

En rumbo: intermediate Spanish follows on from
Portales: beginners Spanish (L194) to complete the
Certificate in Spanish (C35). It builds on your existing
Spanish and teaches more advanced language in the
context of Spanish and Latin American society and
culture. Study resources including printed course
books and an interactive DVD-ROM are carefully
designed to develop the four language skills of
speaking, listening, reading and writing.
understanding, speaking, reading and writing
Spanish, whether you want to improve your Spanish
for personal or for vocational reasons. It offers insights
into many aspects of everyday life in modern Spanishspeaking societies. The course includes a study
guide, three books, a DVD-ROM and a DVD. The
books contain a wide range of language-learning
Courses
activities based on written texts to develop your

understanding of grammar and linguistic structures
and develop your reading and writing skills. The DVD
ROM also develops your understanding of grammar
and linguistic structures and your speaking and
listening skills. It includes video and audio clips and a
wide range of interactive language activities.
En rumbo: intermediate Spanish requires a working
knowledge of Spanish. It is ideal for students who
have successfully completed Portales: beginners
Spanish (L194) or who have reached a similar
linguistic standard, roughly equivalent to O-level,
GCSE (grades A-C) or Scottish Standard Grades 1
and 2. Your knowledge need not be formal. It could
come from adult education classes, time spent in
Spanish-speaking countries, regular contact with
Spanish-speaking people or other sources. You
should be able to understand the gist of what native
speakers say and to hold a basic conversation in
Spanish in everyday situations such as talking about
yourself, your family and where youre from; booking
a hotel; or asking for directions. The outcome of this
course is of a level comparable to B1 as defined by
the Council of Europe.
Spanish Level 2
Viento en popa:
upper intermediate Spanish (L204)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
L140
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, REC, SB, TTS, WEB

Extend your Spanish language skills and cultural
knowledge with this upper intermediate course,
which includes a residential school in Spain
(or online alternative).
Spanish Level 3
at Level 3.
A buen puerto: fast forward in Spanish (L314)

Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
L204
Italian
Andante: beginners Italian (L195)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Nov 2010
Length:
11 months
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 ECA

Andante: beginners Italian will enable you to develop
the skills you need to speak and understand simple
Italian in everyday contexts. No previous knowledge
of Italian is required. The course takes you through a
shopping, working and eating out in Italy. Study
resources include a course book, Colloquial Italian,
audio CDs, a dedicated website with additional
online activities. Together, theyll enable you to
develop a real feel for Italian society and culture.
the language in realistic contexts, with an emphasis
on listening and speaking skills. Youll learn through:
audio material, featuring recordings made by Italian
speakers, and a variety of speaking exercises
to monitor your progress.
By the end of the course you will be able to speak
and understand simple language. You will also have
developed an understanding of aspects of Italian
society and culture.
Andante: beginners Italian will enable you to reach
roughly GCSE level (grades A-C), or Scottish
standard Grades 1 and 2. Please note that this is
the only Italian course we currently offer but an
intermediate course in Italian is currently being
planned. No prior knowledge of Italian is required.
The outcome of this course is of a level comparable
to A2 as defined by the council of Europe.

Extend your Spanish language skills speaking,
knowledge of Spanish and Latin American culture,
and complete the Diploma in Spanish (D40).
55
56
Courses
Law
Level 2
Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law

(W100)
Understanding law (W200)
Points:
60 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
7 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: DVD, PC, PCC

This course introduces the study of law and legal
reasoning. It begins by looking at how rules develop
within a society and how laws (in effect legal rules)
are made, interpreted, and applied. Then it examines
the concepts of legal personality, unlawful conduct
and states of mind. You will explore civil and criminal
sanctions; issues raised by human rights legislation;
and the concepts of rights and justice. The course
deals principally with the law of England and Wales.
You will be introduced to the nature and function of
rules and law, to the distinctiveness of legal reasoning,
and to the way in which law both responds to social
phenomena and contributes to the development of
different social, business and economic institutions.
The course will enable you to demonstrate an
understanding of: legal rules and rule-making through
the role of common law, parliament and Europe; the
concept of legal personality and what constitutes
unlawful conduct in law; the role of the institutions
involved in adjudication enforcement; and how the
law develops in order to respond to changing social,
political, technological and economic climates. You will
be introduced to the ideas of proof and truth, fairness
and procedural requirements in the adjudication and
trial processes. You will then look at law, justice and
social change through the study of family law and civil
partnerships as well as the legal challenges posed by
new technologies. The course will end by considering
the idea of a just legal order and the concept of
justice.
During the course, youll also learn to define and use
legal terms and concepts; identify characteristics of
a legal argument; and distinguish legally-persuasive
material from legally-binding material. The course
develops vocationally-orientated skills that are
transferable to the job market.
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
W100 or any Level 1 course
Requirements: DVD, PC, PCC, WEB

This introduction to the English legal system covers
some of the foundations of legal knowledge, and
teaches legal research techniques and explores EC
law in depth.
Law: the individual and the state (W201)

Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
W200

This course builds on Understanding law (W200)
and examines a further two Foundations of Legal
Knowledge: public law and criminal law in England
and Wales.
Employment law and practice (W221)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Nov 2010
Prerequisite:
W100 or W200
Requirements: PC, PCC, WEB

This course considers the development and
characteristics of the modern employment
relationship. It examines issues such as
discrimination, breach of contract, unfair dismissal
and redundancy.
Business and consumer transactions:

law and practice (W222)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
May 2010, May 2011
Prerequisite:
W100 or W200

Consider the legal principles of contract law and the
sale of goods relating to business and consumer
transactions, including differences between
commercial and consumer contracts.
Courses
Company law and practice (W223)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Nov 2010
Prerequisite:
W100 or W200

This course addresses fundamental issues of the law
in relation to business organisations, including the
consequences of a company failing to meet
legal standards.
Law: ownership and trusteeship:

rights and responsibilities (W301)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
W200 and W201 and W300

This course examines the Foundations of Legal
Knowledge in land law, and equity and trusts,
looking at a variety of issues concerning ownership
and trusteeship.
Level 3
at Level 3.
Law: agreements, rights and responsibilities

(W300)
Points:
60 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
W200 and W201

Examine the two Foundations of Legal Knowledge
covered by the Law of Obligations Contract Law and
the Law of Tort and the law of restitution.
57
58
Courses
Pure and applied mathematics

New Discovering mathematics (MU123)
Using mathematics (MST121)

Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Jan 2010, Oct 2010, Jan 2011,

Oct 2011
Points:
30 at Level 1
Length:
11 months
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Assessment:
4 TMAs, 2 CMAs
Prerequisite:
MU120 or MU123
Length:
9 months
Requirements: CAL, CD, DVD, PC
Assessment:
5 TMAs, 5 CMAs
This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level

mathematics shows how mathematics can be applied
to answer questions from science, technology, and
everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental
techniques, including recurrence relations, matrices
and vectors, calculus and statistics. This course and
Exploring mathematics (MS221) will together give you
a good foundation for higher-level mathematics and
physics courses.
Requirements: CAL, DVD, PC

This introductory course will help you to integrate
mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build
your confidence in using and learning mathematics.
Youll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric
and numerical concepts and techniques, and be
introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus
is not included and you are not expected to have any
previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced
will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics
courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is
also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas,
such as computing, science, technology, social science,
humanities, business and education.
During the course, you will learn about:
key ideas in mathematics, including some statistics,
algebra, geometry and trigonometry
mathematical vocabulary and notation introduced
and developed in the course
selection and use of mathematical techniques for
solving problems
interpretation of results in the context of real life
situations
how to explain mathematical ideas from the course
in writing
analysing mathematical reasoning.
You are strongly advised to have successfully studied
Starting with maths (Y162), or to have recently attained
an equivalent level in mathematics, before commencing
MU123. In particular, you should be confident with the
following topics, which are covered in Y162:
arithmetic of numbers, including negative numbers
and fractions
scientific notation for numbers (sometimes known
as standard form)
powers of numbers including square roots
using your scientific calculator effectively for the
above topics, and for working with brackets and
using simple word formulas
drawing and interpreting simple charts and graphs.
The course begins with Starting points, which features

a first exploration of the main software package
applied to some basic mathematical material. The rest
of the course is in four sections.
Mathematics and modelling starts from situations
in the world that can be modelled by mathematical
techniques. The models use such mathematics as
the properties and representations of arithmetic and
geometric sequences, lines and circles, and functions
such as x2, sin x, cos x and ex.
Discrete modelling deals with population models
and their long-term behaviour, and introduces the
arithmetic of matrices and vectors in order to examine
the interdependence of different subpopulations.
Continuous models covers calculus and introduces
the process of differentiation. Derivatives are obtained
for many functions, and these are used to model
motion and to solve optimisation problems. Next we
look at integration, first as the reverse of differentiation
and then as the limit of an infinite sum. A list of
standard integrals is obtained, and these are applied
to solve simple differential equations, to find areas,
and in other modelling contexts.
Modelling uncertainty is about probability and
statistics. A chapter on chance invokes intuitive ideas
of randomness and adds to your experience of
thinking about probability through the use of purposedesigned software. This is followed by computer-aided
exploration of sampling and sampling distributions
and by an examination of regression.
The course also develops skills beyond mathematical
technique, such as identifying and defining problems
and communicating the results of your mathematical
work. It introduces the use of computer software to
Courses
help your mathematics. This is an integral part of

its approach, so you will need regular access to a
suitable personal computer.
Computer algebra, chaos and simulations

(MS325)
Pure and applied mathematics Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010 (runs alternate years)
Exploring mathematics (MS221)
Prerequisite:
MST209
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
MST121
Explore and experiment with mathematics and

dynamical systems using Maple, a software package
that allows computers to manipulate, evaluate, and
graphically visualise mathematical expressions.
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC, CAL

Exploring mathematics builds on the concepts and
techniques in Using mathematics (MST121). It looks at
patterns in mathematical solutions, introduces the role
of reasoning and offers opportunities to investigate
mathematical problems. It provides a good foundation
for higher-level mathematics and physics courses.
Mathematical methods and models (MST209)

Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
MST121 and MS221
Requirements: PC, CAL
Graphs, networks and design (MT365)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
MST121 and MS221

This course is about using ideas from discrete
mathematics to model problems, and representing
these ideas through diagrams, showing anything
from chemical bonds to transport systems.
Groups and geometry (M336)
Solve real problems by transforming them into

mathematical models and learning methods of
solution, including vector algebra, differential
equations, calculus, matrices and numerical methods.
Pure mathematics (M208)

Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
MST121 and MS221
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Prerequisite:
M208

Examine the construction, recognition and
classification of geometric structures including
tiling and wallpaper patterns, and algebraic entities
including symmetry and other groups of low order.
Requirements: DVD
Optimization (M373)
This Level 2 course for those with prior mathematical

knowledge introduces the main topics of pure
mathematics: group theory, linear algebra and analysis.
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Prerequisite:
M208 or MST209
Pure and applied mathematics Level 3

at Level 3.
Complex analysis (M337)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Prerequisite:
M208 or MST209

Examine techniques used in numerical analysis and
operational research to represent real optimization
problems as mathematical models, to be solved with
a computer.
Requirements: CD, PC, DVD, CAL

This course develops the theory of functions of
a complex variable, emphasising their geometric
properties and indicating some applications.
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60
Courses
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics

(MST326)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Prerequisite:
MST209
Statistics Level 2
Analysing data (M248)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
MST121
Learn about modelling simple fluid flows, ordinary

and partial differential equations and mathematical
methods that can be used to solve fluid-flow
problems.
Gain an understanding of statistics, and learn to make

use of basic statistical concepts on this introductory
course. Youll need a good grounding in mathematics.
Number theory and mathematical logic

(M381)
Requirements: DVD, PC, CAL
Practical modern statistics (M249)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Prerequisite:
M248 and MST121
Prerequisite:
M208 or MST209
Requirements: PC, WEB, CAL

Gain an insight into two branches of very pure
mathematics that have both historical and
philosophical significance, and feel confident tackling
number-theoretic problems.
Topology (M338)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Prerequisite:
M208
Requirements: DVD
This course introduces both point-set and geometric
topology, and covers areas including distance and
continuity, topological spaces, connectedness,
completeness, subdivisions and classifying surfaces.
Waves, diffusion and variational principles

(MS324)
This course examines medical statistics, time series

analysis, statistics for multivariate data, and Bayesian
statistical methods broadening your perspective on
practical modern statistics.
Statistics Level 3
at Level 3.
Applications of probability (M343)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
M248 or MST209
Requirements: CD, DVD, CAL

Discover how models can describe event patterns
from a gamblers ruin or the occurrence of a plant
species, to the spread of an epidemic.
Linear statistical modelling (M346)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Points:
30 at Level 3
Prerequisite:
MST209
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Requirements: CAL
Prerequisite:
M248
Build your understanding of waves, diffusion

and variational principles by considering
specific examples, learning new equationsolving techniques, and studying influential
mathematicians such as Lagrange.

Explore situations where a response variable
depends on explanatory variables such as how
different strains of wheat compare when grown in
various conditions.
Courses
Science
Starting out at Level 1
Science starts here (S154)
Exploring science (S104)
Points:
10 at Level 1
Points:
60 at Level 1
Start:
Mar 2010, Oct 2010, Mar 2011,

Oct 2011
Start:
Jan 2010, Oct 2010, Jan 2011,

Oct 2011
Length:
10 weeks
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
2 TMAs, 2 CMAs
Assessment:
7 TMAs, 9 CMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: PC, CAL, AE
Requirements: PC, DVD, KIT, WEB, AE
Are you interested in studying science? Are you

worried your maths might let you down? Did you
miss out on science in school? Science starts here
is specifically for students who have done little or
no science before, and whose maths is rusty (or
non-existent!). Exploring the role that water plays
in sustaining life from the journey of a glass of
water through the body to the effects of pollution,
this ten-week course provides a gentle introduction
to the basic maths and scientific vocabulary
needed for Exploring science (S104), our 60-point
interdisciplinary science course.
Exploring science uses the approaches taken by

physicists, Earth scientists, biologists and chemists to
develop your understanding of planet Earth. Topics
covered include Earths materials and life forms, our
Solar System, our galaxy and more distant galaxies
that make up the Universe, and the physical laws that
govern the Universe.
The course is based on the theme Water for life and

explores the nature and importance of water, on
which all life depends. It covers a range of topics,
from the use of water by individuals to the threat of
water pollution on a worldwide scale, and from how
desert organisms survive arid conditions to the effect
of water temperature on activity of yeast. It also
introduces some basic scientific concepts to help you
develop the study, writing and mathematical skills that
you will need to start studying science. You will learn
about atoms, molecules and ions, and how to read
and interpret information communicated in tables,
graphs and chemical equations.
The course assumes some knowledge of arithmetic.
You will also be given an introduction to negative
numbers, fractions, percentages, graph plotting
and the use of scientific notation and SI units of
measurement.
You will learn the methods of acquiring scientific

information and important concepts used in biology,
chemistry, Earth sciences, physics, astronomy
and environmental science, and their relevance in
everyday life. Youll develop skills enabling you to
make sense of scientific information presented in a
variety of ways (such as in books and by computer)
and to communicate your knowledge of scientific
topics. The course will help you develop appropriate
mathematical skills so that you can process and
present scientific data. During the course, youll carry
out some practical work, recording your observations
and measurements.
While studying a variety of interesting topics, this
course will develop your problem-solving abilities,
mathematical and communication skills, and use
of computers for learning and communication. All
these skills are likely to be useful in a work context,
particularly jobs requiring a precise and quantitative
approach.
You are not expected to have an extensive knowledge
of science, but you should have mathematical skills to
at least GCSE level and understand a number of basic
mathematical and science concepts. You should also
be able to read and understand written English of a
style and complexity characteristic of a professional
magazine or quality newspaper. You should be able to
write clearly and concisely, structuring short pieces of
writing so that they flow coherently.
If you have not studied science and mathematics
to at least GCSE level fairly recently, you are
advised to study Science starts here (S154) before
beginning Exploring science.
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Courses
Science short courses at Level 1
Elements of forensic science (S187)

Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Archaeology: the science of investigation

(SA188)
Prerequisite:
S104 or SK185 or SK195
Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Forensic science is the application of scientific

knowledge to questions of civil and criminal law.
Interest in forensic science has grown considerably
in recent years and this is reflected in the abundance
of media coverage and popular TV programmes.
The course explores how forensic scientists work,
the techniques they use and how they reach the
conclusions they present in court. Forensic science
uses a wide range of scientific techniques so it can
become very complex to study, although every attempt
is made in the course to ensure that the science is
accessible. In this course we focus on topics relating
to the human body. You will learn about fingerprints,
body fluids, drugs and DNA. DNA testing is a
fascinating topic and many controversial cases hinge
on DNA evidence. You will find out why DNA is such a
useful substance in forensic science and some of the
reasons why its use can be controversial.
If you are interested in a particular science topic and

are ready for university-level study, you might choose
to start with one of our science short courses.
If youre looking for a gentler introduction to studying
with the OU, we recommend you start with an
Openings course instead, see page 8.
Requirements: PC, WEB, AE

In this course, youll develop an appreciation of the
processes involved in the discovery, investigation
and interpretation of a wide variety of artefacts and
archaeological sites, and apply a range of scientific
techniques commonly used in the field and laboratory.
Youll then learn how this scientific information can
provide archaeologists with new insights into how
various aspects of societies and cultures may have
evolved.
Youll achieve this by investigating a series of case
studies within four main topics:
reading the archaeological landscape
This course is for people who have a basic

knowledge of chemistry, DNA and genetics and who
want to understand how this science is applied to
crime scene investigations.
from bog bodies, skeletons and mummies to

forensic archaeology
Fossils and the history of life (S193)
making sense of materials insights into ceramics,

stones, metals, food and textiles
Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010
our archaeological heritage protecting finds for

the future.
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Within each of these topics, youll be introduced to

new scientific ideas and concepts as you need them
and consider different ways of communicating the
results effectively. By the end of the course, youll
have developed a greater awareness of the role
of scientific investigation in archaeology and how
it provides new insights into the evolution of past
cultures and societies. Youll also develop a range of
study skills associated with finding, interpreting and
communicating different forms of information.
Requirements: DVD, TTS

This course will give you a basic understanding of
fossils and an overview of the history of life. The
course books also cover (in colour) spectacular fossils
such as dinosaurs and other vertebrates; rare fossils
that have soft parts preserved; human evolution; mass
extinctions, and other key events in the evolution of
life. We give you some replica fossils on which you can
learn to make and record observations on specimens.
The course will encourage you to think critically about
reconstructions of prehistoric animals and plants, and
the environments in which they lived. It will give you a
perspective on life today and how it has changed over
geological time.
The course is based on two books: the Atlas of the
Prehistoric World and a specially written course book.
Courses
You will also study video footage on DVD, do some

practical work that involves making observations on
replica fossils, and have the opportunity to study an
optional multimedia package on DVD-ROM.
How the universe works (S197)

Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Prerequisite:
S194
Requirements: PC, CAL, TTS

Have you ever wondered about the fundamental
interactions that make the Universe work; or how the
Universe came to be as it is; or how it may evolve in
the future? This course presents answers to questions
like these, including results from cutting-edge research
to illustrate the science behind the media headlines.
Specific topics covered include: measuring the speed
and distance to galaxies; the expansion of space;
the cosmic microwave background radiation; atoms,
nuclei, quarks and neutrinos; the electromagnetic,
strong, weak and gravitational forces; unified theories;
dark matter and 11-dimensional spacetime!
This course is based on a revised and updated
version of Universal Processes, one of the books
from our longer science course, Discovering science
(S103) which was last presented in 2007. Much of
the material here also appears in one of the books of
Exploring science (S104).
Human genetics and health issues (SK195)

Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Requirements: DVD, TTS

Our characters, including our appearance, depend
on the functions of genes. Genes also contribute to a
persons behaviour and health, including susceptibility
to certain diseases, such as heart disease. The
course examines: the patterns of inheritance of
genes, including those associated with genetic
diseases; the Human Genome Project, which aims to
discover all the genes found in the cells of a human
being; how genes function; how the physical and
biochemical characteristics of the body are produced;
and why there are differences between individuals
and between populations. Finally, it explores some
of the issues surrounding research into genes,
from biological, medical and ethical points of view:
for example, how knowledge of our genes has the

potential to revolutionise our ability to change the
genetic fates of individuals. The course will equip
you with sufficient background to understand these
issues and to engage with discussions presented
in newspapers and popular scientific journals. As
well as some of the biology of genes, you will learn
biology that you can apply to other situations. You
will also engage with key issues of concern to health
professionals.
If you are a beginner in biology, you will find that the
course introduces new ideas, concepts and skills
as they are needed, progressively developing more
sophisticated concepts and skills. If you have already
done some biology at school, college or elsewhere,
you will find that the course extends your knowledge
about our genes and the biological, medical and
ethical issues behind research on genes.
The course covers some biological concepts
introduced in our Level 1 science course Exploring
science (S104) (or the discontinued course S103)
and will develop your understanding of health issues
introduced in An introduction to health and social
care (K101) (or the discontinued course K100).
Introducing astronomy (S194)

Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Requirements: PC, AE, CAL, TTS

This course will develop your understanding of the
planets, stars, galaxies, extraterrestrial life, and
the origin of the Universe. It will also develop your
understanding of some aspects of science that you
can apply to other situations.
If you are a beginner in science, you will find that
the course book Introducing astronomy introduces
new scientific ideas as you need them, progressively
developing more sophisticated concepts and skills. If
you are an amateur astronomer, or have read popular
books on astronomy, you will find that the course
develops your understanding and introduces areas of
astronomy that you have not met before.
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Courses
Maths for science (S151)

Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Molecules, medicines and drugs:

a chemical story (SK185)
Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Length:
25 months
Prerequisite:
S104
Assessment:
ECA
Requirements: PC, CAL, WEB, TTS
Requirements: CD, CAL, KIT, TTS
Do you want to take a science course with the OU, but

worry that you lack confidence in using mathematics
as a tool in science? Then this course could be for
you. It also enables you to try out an area of study
before you commit yourself to a longer course, or top
up your knowledge and skills between longer courses.
It has a choice of start dates, and you decide how
long to take over your studies: eight to ten weeks, or
up to five months.
From Hippocrates to modern times, society has

sought ways of relieving pain and curing or preventing
disease. Modern research at the molecular level
constantly adds to the range of drugs available to
combat ill-health. This course tells the fascinating story
of the development of a variety of drugs and explores
chemical strategies to minimise the risk of infection
and disease.
Mathematical techniques are explained, and worked

examples are included throughout the course, but the
main emphasis is on providing examples for you to try
for yourself. Many of the examples have a scientific
flavour and detailed answers are also provided. As
you work through the questions you will be able to
revise the mathematical skills you already have, as
well as learning and practising new ones, and your
confidence in handling maths should increase. There
are two online interactive assessments which give you
instantaneous feedback on your answers; one can be
attempted at any point during the course and provides
practice for the end of course assessment with the
same format.
The course assumes some knowledge of arithmetic,
but other topics, such as addition and multiplication
of fractions, are revised; while algebraic techniques,
such as rearranging and combining equations, are
taught from first principles. You will also have an
introduction to scientific notation, logarithms, radians,
trigonometry, differentiation, and some scientific uses
of statistics and probability.
After a brief introduction (which discusses the

development and testing of drugs within a social
and economic setting), youll move on to explore
the discovery and development of a range of drugs
and medicines that relieve pain, effect cures and
alleviate the symptoms of ill-health. Youll find out
how drugs interact with and affect their target areas
in the human body. Theres a model kit to help you to
visualise the three-dimensional structures and shapes
of the molecules concerned. As you work through
the course, youll build models of the drugs you are
studying and use them to develop an understanding
of how the drugs work.
The story includes topics on how aspirin relieves
aches and pains, Ventolin treats the symptoms of
asthma, penicillin combats harmful bacteria and
Tamiflu helps in the fight against bird flu. The course
makes use of some basic ideas from chemistry and
develops some of the skills associated with studying
our world at the molecular level. Chemical ideas are
explained when they are needed. However, if you
are entirely new to the language of chemistry, you
will need patience while you become familiar with the
vocabulary, and practice applying the new skills that
you are learning. The reward will be an understanding
of some of the science behind the discovery,
development and mode of action of a range of
medicines and drugs.
Courses
Planets: an introduction (S196)
Understanding human nutrition (SK183)
Points:
10 at Level 1
Points:
10 at Level 1
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010
Start:
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Feb 2010, May 2010, Sep 2010,

Nov 2010, Feb 2011, May 2011,
Sep 2011
Length:
25 months
Assessment:
ECA
Requirements: PC, CAL, TTS

Although they have many characteristics in common,
each of the planets in our solar system is different.
This course concentrates on the planets and planetsized objects in orbit around our own star (the Sun),
but also delves into our rapidly advancing knowledge
of planets of other stars. You will examine some of
the amazingly detailed images of planetary surfaces
available thanks to the space programme and
modern telescopes. This course will also develop
your understanding of some aspects of science that
you can apply to other situations.
If you are a beginner in science you will find that
the course guide introduces new scientific ideas
as you need them, progressively developing more
sophisticated concepts and skills. If you are an
amateur astronomer, or have read popular books on
astronomy, you will find that the course develops your
understanding and introduces areas of planetary
science that you have not met before.
If you are keen on geology or meteorology, you will
find much to interest you in the study of comparable
processes on other planetary bodies. This course is
based on Teach Yourself Planets, which is a popular
science book written by the course author, supported
by a library of planetary images on CD-ROM.
Understanding cardiovascular diseases

(SK121)
Points:
15 at Level 1
Start:
Nov 2010
Length:
5 months
Assessment:
1 TMA, 1 ECA
Requirements: CAL, TTS

This course will provide a useful background for you
if you are interested in your own and your familys
diet, or if you are involved in the nutrition and health of
others, e.g. in schools, hospitals or residential care.
This course will provide you with information about
the components of the human diet, and how food
is processed in the body. It enables you to apply
this information to understand the links between
nutrition and health for people of all ages and a
range of lifestyles.
After an introduction to nutrition and food, the course
deals with the chemistry of the main nutrient types
proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals
and their importance in diet, and energy intake
and output. The final part of the course applies this
knowledge to the diet of different groups such as
children, adults, and the elderly, and makes links
between diet and health issues such as exercise,
heart disease and cancer.
The course is based on two books: a specially
written study book and an abridged OU edition of
Parts One and Three of Human Nutrition by Mary
E. Barasi. The study book provides the background
science and guides you through the chapters of the
course book with interesting questions and activities
to help your understanding and to develop scientific
and study skills.
Level 2

This course provides an introductory overview of
the diseases of the heart and circulation, and the
anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
Youll study risk factors and patterns and methods of
prevention of these diseases in a global context. The
course text, case studies, and multimedia illustrate the
characteristic symptoms and pathology of peripheral
vascular and coronary heart disease; their diagnosis
using a variety of techniques; and subsequent
medical, surgical and lifestyle management. The
course will appeal to patients, health care workers,
people working in professions allied to medicine, and
those with a general interest in the subject.
Biological psychology: exploring the brain

(SD226)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Level 2 science course or DSE212

Investigate the brain and nervous system focusing
on human health and behaviour exploring questions
like What do we mean by consciousness?, and
What is schizophrenia?
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66
Courses
Biology: uniformity and diversity (S204)
The molecular world (S205)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
S104 or S103
Prerequisite:
S104 or S103
Requirements: PC, WEB, KIT
Requirements: PC, DVD, CAL, KIT, WEB
This course introduces modern biology, looking at

common features underlying the enormous diversity
of life forms. It applies these principles to plants,
microbes and animals.
This course offers a broad introduction to modern

chemistry and its applications, integrating the three
main branches of chemistry: organic, inorganic, and
physical.
Environmental science (S216)
The physical world (S207)
Points:
60 at Level 2
Points:
60 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
S104 or S103
Prerequisite:
S104 or MST121 or S151
Requirements: PC, RP, WEB
Requirements: PC, CAL, WEB
This wide-ranging course draws together biology,

chemistry, Earth science and physics. It fosters a
holistic approach, studying the processes that link
together different environments.
This course offers a wide-ranging introduction

to physics and its applications, and shows the
relevance of physical principles to the natural and
technological worlds.
New Geology (S276)
Science in context (S250)
Points:
30 at Level 2
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Jan 2010, Nov 2010
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
S104 or S103
Prerequisite:
S104 or S103
Requirements: PC, DVD, KIT, WEB, AE
Introduces the fundamentals of scientific study of the

Earth and the practical skills required to understand
and interpret geological features and processes.
This course covers interesting, contemporary issues

with a scientific dimension: BSE/vCJD; near-Earth
objects; water and well-being; medicinal plants; climate
change; genetic manipulation and nanotechnology.
Human biology (SK277)

Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
S104 or K101
Requirements: PC
Explore human biology in relation to health and
disease, how systems of the body interact, how they
can fail, and how medical interventions can help.
Level 3
at Level 3.
Electromagnetism (SMT359)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
MST209 and S207
Our dynamic planet: Earth and life (S279)
Requirements: DVD, PC, WEB, CAL
Points:
30 at Level 2
Start:
Feb 2010, May 2011
Prerequisite:
S276 or S260 or S283
Explore the electromagnetic fields and radiation that

pervade the world around you, their encapsulation in
Maxwells equations, and how they explain dozens of
interesting phenomena.
Requirements: PC, CAL, WEB

This course explores the structure of the Earth from
its core to the atmosphere, and investigates how the
Earth system works from a geological perspective.
Courses
Evolution (S366)
The geological record of environmental

change (S369)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Points:
30 at Level 3
Prerequisite:
S204 or S260 or S216
Start:
May 2010, May 2011
Prerequisite:
S279 and S279 or S260
Investigate evolutionary sciences key concepts,

including natural selection, and how these account for
the characteristics of living organisms and the history
of life on Earth.
Requirements: CD, DVD, PC
Molecular and cell biology (S377)
Explore evidence of environmental change in

the geological record, including sedimentary
sequences, climatic and tectonic processes, the
greenhouse Cretaceous world, and the Ice Age.
The quantum world (SM358)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Points:
30 at Level 3
Prerequisite:
S204 or SD226 and SK277
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Requirements: CAL, CD, PC, WEB
Prerequisite:
MST209 and S207
Examine the processes common to all life forms,

with emphasis on animal cell biology, learning about
molecular biology and cell functions, differentiation,
ageing and tumorigenesis.
Oceanography (S330)
Explore the fundamental laws of modern physics

and how mathematics is used to state and apply
them, including physical principles, mathematical
techniques and quantum theory.
New The relativistic universe (S383)
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Points:
30 at Level 3
Prerequisite:
S216 or 2 other Level 2

science courses
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
MST209 and S207 and S282
Requirements: CAL, DVD, PC, SB, WEB
Requirements: CMA, CAL, DVD, PC, WEB
Oceans cover seventy percent of the Earths

surface. This course investigates their physics,
chemistry and biology, and the structure of the
basins that contain them.
This course will give you a good understanding of

relativistic astrophysics and cosmology, including
both their theoretical underpinnings and their
observational consequences.
Signals and perception:

the science of the senses (SD329)
Understanding the continents (S339)

Points:
30 at Level 3
Points:
30 at Level 3
Start:
Feb 2010, Nov 2010
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
S276 or S260 and S279
Prerequisite:
S104 or K101 and SD226

and SK277

Investigate how we interact with our environment
through our senses using concepts from biology,
chemistry, physics and psychology to explore the
process psychologists call perception.
This wide-ranging course develops your knowledge

of the continents, plate-tectonic processes and
related issues in depth: its theme is crustal evolution
in contrasting environments.
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Courses
Social sciences
New Introducing the social sciences (DD101)
Points:
60 at Level 1
Start:
Jan 2010, Oct 2010, Jan 2011,

Oct 2011
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
7 TMAs

Introducing the social sciences provides an
approachable and contemporary introduction to
the disciplines and subjects that form the social
sciences, as well as the questions and issues that
social scientists investigate and explore. It is ideal
preparation for Level 2 courses in a range of social
science and related qualifications.
The course asks how social scientists set about
investigating and answering questions about
society: how is society made and repaired, how are
differences and inequalities produced, and how
do we know? The answers to these questions are
explored by looking at three strands: Material Lives,
Connected Lives and Ordered Lives.
New part one (DD131)

Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
May 2010, May 2011
Length:
6 months
Assessment:
4 TMAs

This course provides an approachable and
contemporary introduction to the disciplines and
subjects that form the social sciences, as well as the
questions and issues that social scientists investigate
and explore. Together with Introducing the social
sciences part two (DD132), it presents the same
course materials as the 60-point Level 1 course
Introducing the social sciences (DD101 see left),
but allows you to work at a more gradual pace. Both
parts tackle everyday issues in an approachable way,
so that you can build on what you already know and
gain a solid grounding in study techniques and social
science skills and debates.
Introducing the social sciences part two

(DD132)
Material Lives considers how the making of society

involves not only relations between people but
also relations between people and things and their
environments.
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
Nov 2010
Length:
6 months
Connected Lives also considers peoples

connections to material places but the focus is on
the people themselves and how they are connected
and disconnected from one another, how they see
themselves and others, where they live and the
mobility of things and people involved in making and
breaking connections.
Assessment:
4 TMAs
Prerequisite:
DD131
Ordered Lives explores some of the different ways in

which social life is ordered and governed through the
rules, norms and expectations people have of one
another in day-to-day interaction and how these arise
and are sustained.
The course builds a strong basis of vocationally
oriented skills that are transferable to the job market:
clarity of written communication; critical thinking;
ability to analyse, reflect on and present arguments,
evidence and theories; problem-solving; evaluating
issues; time management; self-motivation, and basic
numerical skills.

This course should be taken after Introducing the
social sciences part one (DD131). Together they
present the same course materials as the 60-point
course Introducing the social sciences (DD101), but
enable you to spread your study over one year instead
of nine months.
You and your money:

personal finance in context (DB123)
Points:
30 at Level 1
Start:
May 2010, Nov 2010, May 2011
Length:
6 months
Assessment:
3 TMAs, 1 ECA
Requirements: CAL, DVD, PC

Are you interested in making more informed
decisions about your personal finances? You and
your money is a practical course that will develop
your financial skills and improve your understanding
of the changing social and economic environment
Courses
in which financial decisions are made. By the end

of the course, youll have a detailed understanding
of some key personal finance issues that affect
peoples lives, and the skills and knowledge needed
to improve your own financial capability. The course
also prepares you for higher-level study.
This course covers four broad themes: the importance
of the changing economic and social environment
to your personal finances; the relationship between
individuals and households in financial matters; the
importance of change over the course of a lifetime,
and financial planning. You will explore the financial
planning process, working through the four key
stages: assessing your financial position; deciding
upon a financial plan; acting upon this plan; and
reviewing the plan. You will also learn about and
practise using all the main tools used in personal
financial planning, from personal balance sheets, to
budgeting and cash-flow statements.
Social sciences short courses at Level 1

This Level 1 short course is ideal if you want to try
out OU study or wish to study for personal interest
at a faster pace than an Openings course. If you are
unsure, you might wish to start with an Openings
course first (see page 8).
Introduction to counselling (D171)

Points:
15 at Level 1
Start:
Apr 2010, Oct 2010, Apr 2011
Length:
12 weeks
Assessment:
2 TMAs

This course provides an accessible and interesting
introduction to the theory and practice of counselling.
While the course is primarily theoretical, it also develops
some awareness of the basic skills in counselling
practice. You will get a good grounding in key topics in
counselling, including its cultural and historical origins;
different theoretical orientations; and the vital role of the
counselling relationship. The course provides a starting
point for people interested in pursuing a career in
counselling or those who simply want to know more.
D171 introduces a range of issues central to
counselling, including the cultural and historical
origins of counselling, different theoretical approaches
to counselling and the fundamental role of the
counselling relationship in enabling growth and
change. In addition, basic skills in listening, attending
and responding appropriately will be introduced
and developed through audio-visual materials and
structured self-directed activities.
Whilst this course does not qualify students to

practise counselling, it does meet the needs of new
students who wish to complete a taster course in
order to determine whether counselling is a suitable
career, as recommended by the British Association of
Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Criminology Level 2
Welfare, crime and society (DD208)
Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100

Examine relationships between social welfare and
crime control, focusing on issues like anti-social
behaviour, poverty, discrimination, hate crimes, child
labour, health, housing and gated communities.
Criminology Level 3
at Level 3.
New Crime and justice (DD301)

Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
Level 2 Social science course
Requirements: DVD, CMA, PC, WEB

Explores crime, disorder and justice in local and
global contexts and examines how these concerns
are continually redefined by global economic, social
and political change.
Economics Level 2
Economics and economic change (DD202)
Points:
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100

Are we living through a new, ICT-led industrial
revolution? Explore key topics in contemporary
economics.
The course is taught primarily through a textbook and

other text-based study materials. Counselling skills are
also introduced through a specially produced DVD
and by practising self-directed activities.
69
70
Courses
Economics Level 3
at Level 3.
Doing economics: people,
New markets and policy (DD309)

Points:
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
DD202

Examine the various economic theories that explain
peoples behaviour in households, businesses and
governments and make critical judgements of which
alternative best serves which purpose.
Environment Level 1
Environment: journeys through
about environmental issues and play an active part

in addressing some of the great environmental
challenges of the day.
Studying this course will provide you with the
knowledge and skills to help you to become more
informed about both the causes and concerns of
environmental change. The course will show how
people are seeking positive solutions to environmental
challenges, in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and
China. It also develops the key skills and concepts
needed to understand our changing world.
The course is presented as six block texts, together
with supporting material provided by DVD and online
via the course website. In addition, study notes
throughout the course will help you to improve your
study skills and develop your ability to become an
independent learner.
Environment Level 2
Environment (U216)
New a changing world (U116)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Start:
Feb 2010, Oct 2010, Feb 2011,

Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100 or S104 or U116

or T172
Length:
9 months
Assessment:
7 TMAs
This course introduces a wide range of

environmental concerns, exploring and debating our
responses to them and investigating their scientific,
technological and social backgrounds.

Are you are interested in global environmental issues;
how living and non-living things interact; how humans
are changing the planet and are now responding
to the difficult challenges this brings? If you are
looking for a single course that offers a general
introduction to studying the environment, then this is
the course for you. You can either study it on its own
or, if you wish to embark on a programme of study,
it will provide the ideal foundation for a range of
environment, science, social science and technology
courses, diplomas and degrees.
We are living in a period of unparalleled global
change: of rising population and a dramatic growth
in economic wealth and technological capacity.
However, this interconnected world is changing so
fast that people have to work hard to understand and
address the environmental issues generated by rapid
economic and technological development. Studying
this course will enable you to explore how and why
different parts of the world are changing and how
people, plants and animals are living within their
changing environment. The course will show you how
people are striving to manage and protect the many
features of the world that we all share. It will help you
to make sense of some of the stories that you hear
and read about in the media, from wildlife extinctions
to plans for new, greener cities. By the end of the
course you will be more able to follow the debates
Environment Level 3
at Level 3.
Earth in crisis: environmental policy in

an international context (DU311)
Points:
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
U216 or DD205 or DD203 or U213

Investigate causes and consequences of
international environmental problems and resource
conflicts, including loss of biological diversity, water
allocation and urbanisation focusing particularly
on climate change.
Courses
Geography Level 2
International studies Level 3
Living in a globalised world (DD205)

at Level 3.
Points:
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Length:
9 months
Points:
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 examination
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100
Prerequisite:
DD200 or U213
A world of whose making? (DU301)
This course uses geographical concepts to help you

make sense of our complex, globalised world and
the processes and patterns that shape it.
This interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary

international studies provides the analytical tools
needed to understand global developments in
politics, economics, technology and culture.
Geography Level 3
at Level 3.
Media studies Level 2

Understanding media (DA204)
Understanding cities (DD304)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Jan 2010
Start:
Feb 2010, Feb 2011
Prerequisite:
Length:
9 months
DD101 or DD100 or AA100 or

A103
Assessment:
6 TMAs, 1 course essay
Prerequisite:
DD205

For the first time in history, over half the worlds
population lives in a city. This course examines the
problems and possibilities of urban living.
International studies Level 2

Analyse the communications media, including
newspapers and television, and consider the issues
facing businesses, governments, and ourselves as consumers and citizens in message-saturated
societies.
Politics Level 2
Governing Europe (DD200)
Power, dissent, equality:

understanding contemporary politics (DD203)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Feb 2010
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100
Investigate the origins of the EU, motivations

for its creation, the history of successive EU
enlargements, and issues like the Euro, immigration
and national identity.
This fresh look at politics explores institutions and

ideas from parliament and the inner workings of
power to decision making, protest and the street.
71
72
Courses
Politics Level 3
at Level 3.
Social policy Level 3

at Level 3.
Living political ideas (DD306)
Personal lives and social policy (DD305)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
DD203 or DD200 or DU301
Prerequisite:
DD208
Requirements: CD, DVD, REC, RP, PC, WEB
This exciting course considers the ways in which

political ideas live, demonstrating their relevance for
understanding contemporary issues in national and
world politics.
Explore the processes by which individuals shape

and are shaped by policymaking and welfare
practices through four themes sexualities, care,
work and citizenship.
Psychological studies Level 2
Sociology Level 2
Exploring psychology (DSE212)
Childhood (U212)
Points:
Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100 or S104
Prerequisite:
Any Level 1 course
Requirements: CD, PC
This thorough overview of psychology introduces

biological, social, and cognitive psychologies
exploring areas relevant to your daily life such as
identity, learning, memory, and language.
This interdisciplinary introduction to childhood and

youth studies explores what it means to be a child
today, with contrasting case studies from round
the world.
Psychological studies Level 3

at Level 3.
Sociology and society (DD201)

Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Social psychology: critical perspectives

on self and others (DD307)
Prerequisite:
DD101 or DD100
Points:
Start:
Jan 2010, Jan 2011
Prerequisite:
DSE212
This lively introduction to contemporary sociology

explores everyday aspects of the social world;
divisions of race, class and gender; historical
perspectives and sociological methods.
Requirements: DVD, RP, PC, WEB

Use key social psychological theories to explore
pressing issues we face in our complex, fast
changing world, while developing skills of critical
evaluation and argument.
Sociology Level 3
at Level 3.
Making social worlds (DD308)

Points:
Start:
Oct 2010, Oct 2011
Prerequisite:
Any Level 2 Social science course

Explore how we operate in social worlds and how
social experience is shaped and made meaningful.
Topics include immigration, medicine, family, money
and reality television.
73
The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter

(RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales
and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
While we have done everything possible to make sure the
information in this publication is accurate, it may change due to
regulations or policy, or because of financial or other reasons.
Designed by: Dig For Fire
Printed by: Belmont Press
Copyright 2009 The Open University
Images courtesy of Andrew Aitchison
Student Registration & Enquiry Service

Offender Learning & Secure Units Team
The Open University
Clarendon Park
Clumber Avenue
Sherwood Rise
Nottingham
NG5 1BR
Tel: 0845 366 6059
Unlock your potential

Thousands of people in prisons and other secure
environments have taken and passed Open University
courses since we opened our doors in 1969. We offer
introductory courses in a wide range of subjects and
you can go on to study for a degree or other recognised
qualification. Most students in prison have their fees
fully funded, and we can help you gain the knowledge
and skills you need to study successfully, develop new
interests and build a new future for yourself.
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Studying with

The Open University

Make a new start with

The Open University

OU study has completely changed

I chose to study in prison

Introducing The Open University (OU)

Who is the OU for?

What can you study

Support for your studies

The education department

OU study in prison is organised through the education

The OU has ten regional centres in England and one

If you have study problems

Fees and financial help

If you are unable to pay for the course yourself,

After your first 30- or 60-point course, full funding for

Credit for previous study

The table below shows the typical number

60 normally from Level 1

120 from Level 2

How much time does it take?

If you have successfully completed some study

Our undergraduate qualifications are designed to

30 point courses = approximately seven to eight

Its easy to underestimate the time and commitment

300 credit points = a degree without honours

We strongly recommend that students take only one

Remember that any of our courses can be taken

If you are interested in OU study its important to

60 point courses = approximately 16 hours of study

A step-by-step guide to enrolment and study

As appropriate, but needs to be

You choose your course.

At least 12 weeks before

You submit an application to your education department. They will contact

Around 12 weeks before the

Typically within a few weeks

If youre enrolling on your first course, complete the registration agreement

About a week later.

If you have studied with us previously, simply complete the registration

About a week before

You begin studying.

Course start date.

At various points during

You submit assignments (feedback given by your tutor approximately

At set dates on your study

You will be given a date to sit your exam or a deadline to submit

At least 12 weeks before

You start revision or preparation.

Around four weeks before the

You sit your exam or submit your ECA.

Around four weeks before the

You receive your course result.

Around eight weeks after

Openings introductory courses

Introducing environment (Y161)

Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Requirements: DVD (preferable but not essential)

Learning to change (Y165)

Making sense of the arts (Y160)

Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,

Mar 2010, Jun 2010, Sep 2010,