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Introducing multidisciplinary study at The Open University
Introducing multidisciplinary study at The Open University

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3 Planning your studies

An illustration of a large tree with little people figures on the branches.
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.

Illustration showing different Open qualification subject areas:
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.

To use this interactive functionality a free OU account is required. Sign in or register.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

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.