Computing

This flexible diploma enables computing practitioners to pursue their career goals by gaining advanced knowledge, skills and techniques; and to develop a professional approach to the study and application of computing. A wide choice of modules means you can tailor your qualification to the varied requirements of industry and your own career needs, with the option to focus on software engineering or information security and forensics in more depth.

Key features of the course

• A choice of study routes and specialisms to fit with your professional needs and interests

• Encourages you to draw on your own background and experience

• Develops transferable skills applicable to your employment and continuing professional development

• The chance to top up to the MSc in Computing in just one more year.

You'll choose one of four routes:

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (broad route)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

For details on modules go to https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e81#course-details

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.

2 - 4 years.

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

The modules 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 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.