Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
In this diploma you’ll explore contemporary socio-economics issues by learning to apply economic theories and techniques to real world situations. You'll learn to use specialised software to apply statistical concepts to economic data and carry out your own research project. The analytical skills you'll learn are greatly valued by employers. This diploma is ideally suited to a graduate in any discipline and can be completed in as little as two years. You’ll have evidence of a systematic study of economics without having to complete a full degree. If you wish to gain an economics degree later, you may be able to count the credit gained from this diploma. Key features of the course
- Gain a good basic knowledge of economic theory and an understanding of economic issues.
- Analyse some of the most compelling challenges facing us today, such as inequality and unemployment, and issues facing business.
- Engage in economic debate, assess qualitative and quantitative evidence and its usefulness in relation to economic theories.
- Learn to analyse economics data using statistical techniques.
Modules
This diploma has one stage comprising 120 credits. You’ll be introduced to economics as a discipline and learn core economic theories and techniques. These will be applicable to studying the economy as a whole (macroeconomics) and for individual economic agents, such as firms and households (microeconomics). You’ll also learn the key concepts and techniques used in the analysis of economic data. In the second module you’ll study economic theories and techniques in more depth. You’ll also be introduced to econometrics, the statistical analysis of economic data, and learn about various research methods that you can use in a small research project on a topic of your choice.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
The Diploma in Economics is made up of modules at OU levels 2 and 3 taken from our undergraduate programme. There are no entry requirements, but you must be suitably prepared for study at this level. For example, it is particularly suitable to graduates in other subjects who wish to learn economics. If you are not certain of your preparedness to start studying at OU level 2, we strongly recommend you contact us to discuss this with our educational advisers. We also have diagnostics materials for you to gauge the expectations of study at this level.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025/2026 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ