The Open University has made some changes to the BA/BSc (Hons) Design and Innovation (Q61); the structure of this degree has now been amended to give students a greater choice of modules, whichever specialism they study.
In place of the four previous specialisms, the qualification now has a BA and BSc route, which means that students can count a wider range of Stage 2 and Stage 3 modules towards their degree. The modules Design thinking (U101), Design essentials (T217) and Innovation: designing for change (T317) will remain compulsory.
For students taking the Engineering and the Environment specialisms, the BSc route will allow them to choose from a wider range of modules. However, The Institute of Engineering Designers will still accredit this qualification after these changes have been made.
These changes open up a greater choice of modules to enable students to successfully complete their studies. If they've already committed to studying a pathway, they are free to continue to do so, but there is now a wider range of options available to them. Moreover, if a student has previously applied for credit transfer but been unsuccessful they may now likely be eligible as a wider range of prior study will now be considered.
We are also introducing two intermediate qualifications - a Certificate and Diploma of Higher Education in Design and Innovation - for students unable to complete their studies towards the degree. However, the credit that students count towards these qualifications can still count towards the degree if they later resume their studies.
Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.
