Using a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education to progress your career
Open University (OU) students study for many different reasons and at different stages of life. You may complete your studies with a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) or a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), either as a standalone qualification or as part of a degree. Either way, it is a significant achievement.
Both are recognised higher education qualifications that demonstrate successful study at university level and the development of skills relevant to a wide range of roles, sectors and career paths.
What OU study demonstrates
Through study you’ll build many skills that are valued by employers, including:
- Commitment and self-management - balancing study with work, family, caring responsibilities or other commitments.
- Academic writing and analytical skills - researching information, evaluating sources, developing arguments and communicating ideas clearly.
- Digital and online working skills - using online learning platforms, digital resources and remote ways of working.
- Subject knowledge - building a strong foundation in your chosen subject and its practical applications.
- Independent learning skills - working autonomously, managing your time and continuing to learn.
Together, these skills demonstrate adaptability, resilience and the ability to learn at a higher level.
Understanding qualification levels
Across the UK, higher education qualifications sit within national frameworks that show the level of study:
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) - 120 credits
- Level 4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Level 7 in Scotland
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) - 240 credits
- Level 5 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Level 8 in Scotland
Although the level numbers are different, they reflect comparable stages of higher education study across the UK.
The most rewarding parts are achieving my Certificate of Education. And I’ve just recently got my Diploma of Education as well, which I thought I'd never get in a million years of education when I left school.
Stuart
In this video, OU student Stuart explains how achieving qualifications on the way to his degree kept him motivated.
Qualification levels and employment
Some job adverts will ask for a particular level of qualification, so it’s important to check how this correlates with your qualification or the level you are working towards. You can find out what qualifications are likely to be needed for various jobs by looking at job profiles. Search by sector on the careers services websites for each nation:
Looking at job descriptions and personal specifications of live vacancies will also help you get an idea of the level of qualification you’ll need for the type of job you want. OU students can search a wide variety of vacancies on OpportunityHub, including volunteering, work experience, internship and entry-level roles.
Researching your career options can help you understand what employers are looking for and how your qualification, skills and experience can strengthen your applications.
How to present CertHEs and DipHEs on your CV
Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education are recognised qualifications and you should present them confidently in the education section on your CV. Name the qualification clearly, give the level, and show the value and skills gained.
If you find the thought of applying for a job a bit daunting, see our ‘getting in the right mindset’ activity to help with your confidence when applying for opportunities.
You may want to highlight specific modules that you studied, if they are relevant to the job you are applying for. Here are two examples showing how someone might present their qualification on their CV:
Certificate of Higher Education in History and Spanish (Level 4), The Open University
Modules: Revolutions, Exploring languages and cultures, Spanish studies 1
Skills developed: critical thinking, research, analysis, communication.
Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT (Level 5), The Open University
Modules: Communication and information technologies, Essential Mathematics, Object-oriented Java programming, Web technologies.
Skills developed: problem-solving, digital and information literacy, programming using Python and Java.
Options after a CertHE or DipHE
There is no single ‘right next step’ after completing a CertHE or DipHE. What you do next will depend on your personal goals, circumstances and priorities. Whether it marks the end of your studies or a step towards further qualifications, it can support your career development in different ways.
Use your qualification to access employment or develop your existing role
You may choose to use your CertHE or DipHE to:
- apply for new roles or promotions
- take on additional responsibilities in your current job
- demonstrate your commitment to professional development
- progress in your current field or exploring new areas of work.
In some sectors such as business, health or probation services, having a CertHE or DipHE can provide access to higher level vocational training, or reduce the amount of further training required. Check vacancies, labour market information and professional body requirements.
Some students combine work and study. For example, OU student Emilie secured a laboratory scientist role while completing her chemistry degree.
As it turns out, I didn’t have to wait until the end of my degree. I spotted an opportunity, which I never would have been qualified for without four years of OU study behind me.
Emilie
Continue towards a degree
Your qualification can also be a step towards an honours degree. Continuing your studies enables you to:
- deepen your subject knowledge
- further develop your skills
- strengthen future career opportunities.
I chose a Certificate of Higher Education in Law and French. I got a distinction in the end, which filled me with enough confidence to sign up for the degree.
Thomas
In this video, law student Thomas describes how his OU study unlocked career opportunities he never imagined were possible.
Take a break and return to study later
You may decide to:
- focus on work, family or personal priorities
- reflect on your goals
- gain practical experience or vocational training.
OU study is designed to be flexible, and many students return when the time feels right for them.
I feel so much more confident in my abilities having completed my Cert HE in Sport Fitness and Management. This academic qualification backs up my practical knowledge and can be presented alongside the practical, industry led courses on my LinkedIn profile, CV and in any funding applications. I might come back to continue the study to Diploma or degree level but already feel this has made a difference to how seriously people take me.
Jackie, Cert HE in Sport Fitness and Management
Reflect on where you are
Most OU students are at the ‘discover’ and ‘explore’ stages of career readiness (Career Readiness survey, 2025/26). This means they want to use their study to change their life but either don’t know how, or they know what they want to do but are unsure how to get there. This 3-minute check-in will help you understand your own readiness and reflect on your personal development.
