Computing

MSc in Computing
This qualification is relevant to the industry. It covers a range of topics, incorporating transferable skills applicable to professional development. It provides a rigorous approach to the study and application of computing. Choose between four routes. A flexible route lets you choose modules to suit your needs. Or choose one of the routes listed to develop in-depth specialist knowledge. Finish with an independent project on a topic of your choice.

Key features of the course
• Brings together theory and practice and draws on your own background and experience.

• Enables you to tailor your studies to your specific career needs and professional interests.

• Provides an excellent platform for further research studies.

Modules
You'll choose one of four routes:
• MSc in Computing (broad route)
• MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
• MSc in Computing (Networking)
• MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

MSc in Computing (broad route)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)
60–120 credits from:

Module 30 Credits per module
• Data management (M816)
• Digital forensics (M812)
• Information security (M811)
• Project management (M815)
• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)

0–60 credits from:
• Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) PLANNED 60 credits

30 Credits per module
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
• Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
• Network security (T828)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Systems security (M817)
• Technology innovation management (TB801)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)
You'll choose either:
• a research route
• a professional route

Research route
60 credits
• Research project (T802)

Professional route
60 credits from:
• The MSc professional project (T847) 30
Or the discontinued module T842
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.

MSc in Computing (Networking)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
Stage 1 (120 credits)
90 credits from:
• Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) 60 credits
• Network security (T828) 30 credits

30 credits from:
Modules (30 credits per module)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Data management (M816)
• Digital forensics (M812)
• Information security (M811)
• Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
• Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
• Project management (M815)
• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Systems security (M817)
• Technology innovation management (TB801)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)
You'll choose either:
• a research route
• a professional route

Research route
60 credits from:
Module Credits
• Research project (T802) 60

Professional route
60 credits from:
Module Credits
• The MSc professional project (T847) 30
Or the discontinued module T842
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
Stage 1 (120 credits)
60 credits from:
• Information security (M811) 30
• Digital forensics (M812) 30

60 credits from:
Module Credits
• Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) Planned (T829) 60

30 credits per module
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Data management (M816) 30
• Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) 30
• Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) 30
• Network security (T828) 30
• Project management (M815) 30
• Software development (M813) 30
• Software engineering (M814) 30
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) 30
• Systems security (M817) 30
• Technology innovation management (TB801) 30

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)
You'll choose either:
• a research route
• a professional route

Research route
60 credits from:
Module Credits
• Research project (T802) 60

Professional route
60 credits from:
Module Credits
• The MSc professional project (T847) 30
Or the discontinued module T842
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.

MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
Stage 1 (120 credits)
60 credits from:
• Software development (M813) 30
• Software engineering (M814) 30

60 credits from:
• Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) PLANNED 60
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810) 30
• Data management (M816) 30
• Digital forensics (M812) 30
• Information security (M811) 30
• Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) 30
• Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) 30
• Network security (T828) 30
• Project management (M815) 30
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) 30
• Systems security (M817) 30
• Technology innovation management (TB801) 30

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)
You'll choose either:
• a research route
• a professional route

Research route
60 credits from:
• Research project (T802) 60

Professional route
60 credits from:
• The MSc professional project (T847) 30
Or the discontinued module T842
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.

You should note that the University's unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Note, in particular, you can count the credit from the following modules towards only a single qualification: Research project (T802); The MSc professional project (T847).

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time.

To start this MSc, you will need a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent) in computing or a related discipline, or relevant industrial experience. If you do not hold a bachelors degree, irrespective of your industrial experience, you will need to study a module from the Postgraduate Certificate in Computing (K22) to demonstrate your ability to study successfully at postgraduate level.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

Our badged open course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, will introduce you to the nature of Master's level study. It offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level – and is free.

3 - 6 years.

How long it takes
Most students study this qualification over three years, which is the minimum time needed, completing 60 credits each year. The maximum time to complete is six years.

Career relevance
The modules in the postgraduate computing programme are for professional computer specialists, engineers, technical managers and scientists who need to update their skills and knowledge in specific areas, and gain recognised qualifications to develop their careers. They have been developed to combine theoretical and practical aspects of computing, to enable you to become an effective professional in the computing industry.

In addition they aim to encourage you, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.