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Introduction

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Our Open qualifications are one of the most popular pathways of study at The Open University (OU). These qualifications allow you to combine different subjects in your qualification, enabling you to see how they can relate, connect and even influence each other. This is also known as multidisciplinary study.

There are a number of modules and qualifications at the OU which support multidisciplinary study from the Social Sciences, Arts and Sciences curriculum areas. However, for this course, we’re focusing on the Open qualifications which are the OU’s most flexible qualifications. The Open qualifications include:

BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree
BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree
MA/MSc Open

Activity 1

Watch our short animation introducing our qualifications. What are your first impressions? What do you think the value of qualifications like these are?

Download this video clip.Video player: Video 1: The Open qualifications

Video 1: The Open qualifications

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Transcript: Video 1: The Open qualifications

In today’s world solutions to key challenges like pollution, climate change, or sustainable growth require expertise from a range of subjects.

Exploring everyday problems through the lens of different disciplines provides exciting opportunities to find ways in which subjects connect and influence each other.

Flexible study has always been at the heart of the Open University.

Our unique Open qualifications allow you to combine subjects and develop your knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines.

Enabling you to study in a multidisciplinary way.

You set the direction of your learning, creating a personalised pathway to match your interests, aspirations and objectives.

The BA or BSc Open is one of the most flexible qualifications in the UK, you can study many subjects in various combinations.

From criminology and computing to business and languages.

Or you can build your own individual science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree with the BSc Combined STEM.

Finally, the MA/MSc Open is an innovative masters degree, which means you can expand your existing discipline-related knowledge to pursue options related to your professional development.

People change jobs and careers throughout their life. The open qualifications enable you to align your study to your goals and aspirations.

Complex problems need flexible and creative solutions from people who can adapt.

With the Open qualifications the sky is the limit.

What will your Open qualification look like?

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Discussion

This type of study enables students to draw on the skills, knowledge and expertise of different subjects and is said to be the future of learning. Being able to understand and analyse a project or problem from a number of viewpoints or through different lenses can generate creative solutions to some of the world’s most challenging problems, like climate change or poverty.

1 Welcome to your Open qualification

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Did you know the Open degree was the OU’s first degree and it was called a ‘General BA’? It was the precursor to the BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree that we know today. The Open degree was the only degree programme awarded at the OU until the 2000s which is when named degrees were introduced. The BSc Combined STEM degree was introduced in 2017 due to student demand for an interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics degree and the MA/MSc Open is our most recent addition at postgraduate level.

You can learn more about the history of the Open qualifications by visiting the Open digital exhibition.

Activity 2

Choose two sections of the digital archive to read. Which sections did you choose and why?

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Discussion

We hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about the Open qualifications, innovative curriculum design, the value of multidisciplinary study or being a brave learner.

Open qualifications provide the opportunity to choose from a range of different subjects, allowing you to learn in different ways and to develop a wide range of skills. At other universities, multidisciplinary qualifications may include combined honours, joint honours and interdisciplinary degrees. To refresh your knowledge about Open qualifications visit the online prospectus pages for each qualification:

Reflection

Why did you/would you choose an Open qualification?

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Discussion

You may have said it’s because you wanted to tailor your modules to suit your career or personal interests or perhaps you decided to change to an Open qualification part-way through your studies because you found another subject which excited you. Whatever your reasons for combining different subjects from across the curriculum, we’re delighted you’re studying an Open qualification and are able to benefit from combining different subjects!

2 Finding your way around

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Figure 1: Create your own path

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An illustration showing a two-way signpost: the left post points southwest with the text ‘Path of least resistance’. The right post points northeast with the text ‘Path of greatest interests’. On the bottom right, it has the text ‘The Open qualifications create your own path’ All text in capitals.

Figure 1: Create your own path

You can find lots of information about your Open qualification through the Open qualification study websites. There are five different dropdown tabs for you to explore on these sites:

Connect
Discover
Skills
Plan
Succeed

Here you can access resources to help connect with other students also studying Open qualifications, discover what subjects are available with links to faculty specific information and guidance relevant to your module selection, explore the skills you need, plan your qualification and find out what happens when you succeed.

The qualifications site has an online room where drop-in sessions and workshops are held on employability, choosing your next module and referencing and there are even opportunities to chat with the team who support the Open qualifications.

You can find the qualification study sites here:

Registered students with the OU can also access the qualification sites via their StudentHome page by clicking on the Study tab.

Activity 3

Go to the qualification study site for your Open qualification and spend 15 minutes having a look around. Note down here what you spent the most time looking at and why.

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Discussion

We hope you found the Open qualifications site useful. It’s a really important resource to support students and we want to make sure all Open qualification students know where to find it.

The Open qualification study sites are in addition to your module specific website, TutorHome and remember there’s the HelpCentre which also has useful information to support your studies.

3 Planning your studies

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Figure 2: Choose the greatest path of interest

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An illustration of a large tree with many branches. Its trunk and roots are thick, and on its branches are little people figures. The words ‘Choose the greatest path of greatest interest’ are displayed at the top left corner. Text in capitals.

Figure 2: Choose the greatest path of interest

The Open qualifications provide you with the opportunity to study any subject(s) you like in many combinations; Figure 3 shows some of the subject areas offered.

Maximise

Figure 3: The Open qualifications subject areas

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Mind map illustration showing different Open qualification subject areas. The general structure is three vertical sections with ‘Open qualification’ at the centre of the middle section:

First section:

Arts and humanities

Computing and IT

Education, childhood and youth

Science

Engineering

Health and wellbeing

Middle section:

Languages

Environment and development

Social sciences

Mathematics and statistics

Third section

Health and social care

Sport and fitness.

Design

Business and management

Law

Psychology and counselling

Figure 3: The Open qualifications subject areas

However, it is still important to choose your modules carefully because with so many modules to choose from, we appreciate it can be difficult to know where to start!

We recommend your first step is to explore the information on the Open qualifications study sites which have a section of resources to help you plan your study and choose your modules, at all stages of your qualification. You can find these resources on the Plan tab (Plan your qualification) here:

These pages are designed to help and support you to plan ahead so you are in the best place to do well. Ensuring you have a good foundation in the earlier stages of your study will place you in a strong position to succeed.

Activity 4

Spend 10 minutes reading the section on Plan your qualification on the appropriate qualification site and see if you can map out the subjects you’d like to study or, if you’re considering studying at Masters level, have a look at the different study routes and find the one that fits with your interests and aspirations.

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Discussion

What you’ve written will be individual to your needs and interests. Hopefully this activity got you thinking about what modules or study route you’re interested in, but also when the modules start, what prerequisite knowledge you might need (what previous modules you need to have studied) and how your qualification fits together.

You can also seek individualised information, advice and guidance from your Student Support Team (SST). Our Student Support Teams are specialists made up of experienced academics, educational advisers and other staff with subject-specific expertise. They can provide advice and guidance both on module choice and on qualification planning.

If there is a specific subject area you would like to concentrate your study on, they can help ensure you include the necessary pre-requisite modules to help you succeed in the later stages of your qualification. If you decide to change direction in your subject areas, they can help with module choice and preparation.

We understand students’ interests and aims can change over time and that’s ok. We can work with you to adapt your study plans and ensure your focus is in line with new goals.

The flexibility of the Open qualification means you have the ability to change your plans and our SSTs are always on hand to help guide you.

3.1 Open YXM modules

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Did you know we also offer Open modules which you can count towards your Open qualification? These modules are unique and allow students to personalise their study. Currently there are two Open modules:

Undergraduate module: Making your learning count (YXM130)
Postgraduate module: Advance your independent learning (YXM830)

YXM130 is an OU Level 1 module that allows you to count different forms of study, like OpenLearn courses (including this one), professional qualifications, Coursera and other Open Educational Resources (OERs) towards a formal OU qualification, including the Open degree. You can find out a little more about YXM130 by visiting here.

The range of options for building your YXM130 study is endless. To help with the choices, the module team have created some example study pathways to see how you can create your own module.

Figure 4: The YXM130 module lets you use informal learning that you may have already completed, to make a start on more formal learning

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Illustration of a person holding what appears to be a map and walking along a path

Figure 4: The YXM130 module lets you use informal learning that you may have already completed, to make a start on more formal learning

YXM830 is a postgraduate module which is personalised and offers the flexibility of exploring in depth a topic of your choice at Masters level. You can include YXM830 as part of a MA/MSc Open. This module also allows you to draw on different types of learning as a way of advancing your research skills. There’s more on the module here and in this video:

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Video 3: Advance your independent learning

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Transcript: Video 3: Advance your independent learning

What if you had the freedom to design your very own module? Think of a question or problem that you’d like to explore. It could be anything, such as 'What are the benefits of outdoor swimming?'.

In time you may well refine your question into something more specific, such as 'How does exercise improve mental health?' The quest to unravel the answer to your question could be the start of a unique journey of study tailored just for you.

It may be that you have a particular challenge in your life, either at home or at work. The module is your chance to answer your own question in a rigorous and structured way.

Working with your tutor on YXM830, you are in the driving seat. You can navigate topics and cross subject disciplines in your own learning adventure. You get a chance to take control of your studies and design and complete your own investigation to suit your own long term objectives.

You’ll be exploring and bringing together information from a wide range of sources and different media: Academic journals, reports, research papers, multimedia content and blogs as well as books.

You can include in your learning time free online courses or professional development courses you’ve already completed.

As well as working with you tutor, you get input from other students taking the module, which gives you different perspectives, as you present your work for feedback at each step of the process.

At the end of the module, you can present your findings in a variety of ways from an animation to an in-depth written report. You'll also have a chance to reflect on your learning journey, how your ability to research and learn independently has improved and how you may use your new skills in other aspects of your life.

What's your question?

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4 Community and belonging

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Figure 5: Brave learners

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An illustration showing a young woman standing with her left hand on her hip and the right hand holding a large blue shield that has the Open University crest. On the bottom of the crest is the text ‘Live and learn’. At the top right corner is the text in caps ‘The Open qualifications’ and at the bottom right corner is the text in caps ‘Perfect for brave learners’. All text in capitals.

Figure 5: Brave learners

You can connect with other students studying an Open qualification in various ways including via the student forums, hosted on the qualification subject site, where students can ask questions about module choices, pathways and module combinations, and also via student-led Facebook groups.

The Student Hub Live Archive is the Open University’s repository of recorded interactive sessions hosted by OU tutors. The recordings include study skills workshops, community events, and plenty of ideas, best practices, tips, tools and resources that can be very helpful, and you’ll get to hear both from guest experts and fellow students.

The archive also has the SHL Podcast offering, with episodes produced and presented by an OU PhD student and an OU alumnus. Heidi and Scott chat about their own experiences of studying, why they started, what they loved, the challenges they faced and how studying changed their lives.

All recordings and the podcasts are available via the Student Hub Live website and are accessible for all OU students.

Open qualifications students might be interested in these sessions:

Don’t forget the OpenSU has a thriving community with several opportunities to get involved in their different interest groups, such as clubs and societies. They have many different groups and are a good place for support and advice when studying. The Hoot is a great way to stay in touch with the wider OU student community, learning more about what OpenSU does and what it can offer you as an OU student.

Activity 5

Select one of these opportunities to engage with the wider Open community and explore it further. Note down some of the benefits engaging with the wider study community might bring you.

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5 Career development and planning for your future

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Figure 6: Walk your own path

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An illustration showing three footprints in a blue shaded box. Inside the footprints are the text in caps (from left to right): ‘Interest', ‘Career’, and ‘Passion’. Above the shaded box are the words in caps ‘The Open qualifications’ and beneath the box are the words ‘walk your own path!’

Figure 6: Walk your own path

Part of your learning journey will include thinking about your future career choices and planning for your future. It is therefore important to consider and carry out research into career options. Studying across subjects helps you to bring together skills, knowledge and different perspectives which can help open up your career options. On the Qualification Sites there are specific resources under the Plan tab (Plan your career) here:

The Open qualifications site provides links to online career tools, such as FutureYOU, that can be used to identify careers based on your interests and skills. This tool is a personal space where you can reflect on your achievements and plan your future.

Activity 6

Watch the short video presenting FutureYOU and explore the resources and assets offered. Note down any skills that you might want to develop in your studies or areas for you to focus on.

Download this video clip.Video player: Video 4: FutureYOU

Video 4: FutureYOU

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Transcript: Video 4: FutureYOU

[MUSIC PLAYING]

AYESHA:

To get ahead it’s hugely important to be prepared. Planning your future in an uncertain world may seem harder than ever. But the OU designed FutureYOU will help you do just that.

FutureYOU is an online tool that helps you plan your personal development, plan your study journey, and review your progress. Here are some of the ways that FutureYOU can help you.

The reflection area helps to highlight the employability skills and attributes to develop as you study your own module. Identify and plan prompts you to identify the learning you gain from your experience in the world and reflect on and draw learning from these experiences.

The action and record area introduces learning logs to help keep you on track.

You will build up an invaluable set of resources as you move towards your personal, academic and professional goals.

It’s an ongoing process of reviewing and reflecting.

FEMALE:

It’s very easy to forget how many skills and experiences one accumulates through life. The FutureYOU site allows you to layout what you have achieved so you can match the necessary skills to your goals.

FEMALE:

FutureYOU has definitely helped me to think about goals and my employability.

MALE:

I’m starting to understand I have more assets than I first realised and that with a new approach I can broaden my horizons.

AYESHA:

FutureYOU is available to you throughout your studies and for three years after qualifying too.

FutureYOU could be just what you need to turn your OU learning into success beyond study. Take some time to explore FutureYOU and see how it can help you plan for a successful future.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

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On the Qualification Sites you will find information from the Careers and Employability Services (CES) who can also support you with ensuring you’re studying the right modules for your career aspirations.

Activity 7

Take the time to explore materials from the Careers and Employability Service (CES) on these sites. Knowing how to articulate your studies and qualification to employers and the combinations of subjects you have chosen is something students have said is an important skill. You can also explore resources to help produce CVs, learn more about employers and engage in forums.

These sites also include interesting case studies of students who have completed their Open qualification so you can see how they used their knowledge and skills to develop their careers.

To further support your understanding of multidisciplinary study and what this means for your career development and future planning, the Open qualifications team have created a short, badged OpenLearn course: ‘Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits’.

Figure 7: Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits

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Image showing various illustrations and icons representing student thinking (speech bubbles, cogs, question mark etc.). At the top left corner is the Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits OpenLearn BOC badge.

Figure 7: Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits

The course is interactive and features videos to explore what multidisciplinary study is, what you can gain by studying a multidisciplinary qualification and how it can benefit your career prospects. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of multidisciplinary study you can find some great articles on OpenLearn too, including this article, ‘What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?’, written by Professor Martin Weller, Director of the Open Qualification . Other resources related to studying across subjects which you might find helpful can be found in this interdisciplinary study collection.

Reflection

Where do you see yourself in five-years time? What steps do you need to put in place to help you to get where you want to be? What help or support do you need to help you along the way?

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Discussion

Wherever you want to end up, having a plan to get you there is more likely to guarantee success of you achieving your goals. There are a number of resources, people and support materials to help you to make your goals realisable and we hope we’ve managed to signpost to some of those here.

6 End-of-course quiz

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Now it’s time to complete the compulsory badged quiz.

End-of-course quiz

Remember, this quiz counts towards your badge. If you’re not successful the first time, you can attempt the quiz again in 24 hours.

Open the quiz in a new window or tab then come back here when you’ve finished.

Conclusion

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

Bringing together knowledge from different subjects, understanding how and where they cross over or influence each other can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Coupled with learning how to find your way around the wealth of information on the OU’s systems, this can be challenging.

We hope your journey in this short course has gone some way to helping you to navigate some of these challenges and set you up to succeed in your studies.

Remember, with the Open qualifications the sky’s the limit!

What will your Open qualification look like?

Acknowledgements

The Open University — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:08:44 GMT

This free course was written by Rehana Awan with support from Jay Rixon and Mary Keys.

Except for third party materials and otherwise stated (see terms and conditions), this content is made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Licence .

The material acknowledged below (and within the course) is Proprietary and used under licence (not subject to Creative Commons Licence). Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following sources for permission to reproduce material in this free course:

Course image

Course Image: Bryan Mathers, Visual Thinkery, https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/ by-nc-nd/ 4.0/

Figures

Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6: Bryan Mathers, Visual Thinkery; https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/ by-nc-nd/ 4.0/

Figure 7: DrAfter123/iStockphoto.com

Audio Visual

Every effort has been made to contact copyright owners. If any have been inadvertently overlooked, the publishers will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.

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