Diploma of Higher Education in Philosophy and Psychological Studies at The Open University

A 240-credit distance-learning diploma exploring philosophical debates about ethics, justice, scientific knowledge, religion and the self alongside core approaches in social, cognitive and developmental psychology. It builds skills in reading scientific and philosophical texts, using research methods and communicating clearly and logically. It is equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) Philosophy and Psychological Studies (Q43).

Duration: 240 credits; 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (maximum 12 years)  |  Intake: February 2027; October 2027  |  Study mode: part-time distance learning  |  Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 (120 credits): Discovering the arts and humanities (A111) plus one of Exploring psychological worlds: thinking, feeling, doing (D110) or Encountering psychology in context (D120). Stage 2 (120 credits): Applying psychology (D250) and Investigating philosophy (DA223).

Career pathways

Builds argument, analysis, critical thinking and information-literacy skills valued by employers. The qualification does not confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society.

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