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)

For module details go to the course webpage link below.

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.

Accreditation
Information Security and Forensics route and Software Engineering route, if including the 30-credit project module T847:

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. BCS accreditation provides assurance that programmes of study meet high standards set by the profession.
https://www.bcs.org/

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the award of Euro-Inf Master Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of Second Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.
https://eqanie.eu/quality-label/

Information Security and Forensics route and Software Engineering route, if including the 60-credit project module T802:

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. BCS accreditation provides assurance that programmes of study meet high standards set by the profession.
https://www.bcs.org/

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the award of Euro-Inf Master Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of Second Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.
https://eqanie.eu/quality-label/

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that a degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
https://www.engc.org.uk/