Systems Thinking in Practice

This MSc has the development of holistic thinking skills and appreciation of multiple perspectives at its core. Systems thinking skills are relevant in many different areas. For example, business, engineering, environment, development, health, IT management, and organisation change. Gain insights into the ways other people think about situations. Learn how to apply concepts, tools and techniques developed by systems thinkers. Develop your own ways of thinking in practice, and become aware of how you can act to bring about improvements in complex situations.

Key features of the course

Offers you the choice of a research route or a professional route.

Both routes develop essential skills for addressing systems thinking issues systematically in your own context, and extend your knowledge of recent research and research methods.

Concludes with either a substantial piece of independent study on a topic of professional interest to you, or a more academic in-depth research project.

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits.

For module details go to https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f47#course-details

To start Stage 1 of this degree, you should normally hold a UK bachelors degree, or equivalent. It may be possible to demonstrate your ability to study at postgraduate level by successfully completing a module and linking your studies to the programme at a later date.

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.

Gaining some prior awareness, knowledge and experience of systems thinking will help you benefit more from the course material – for example, by engaging with open educational resources on OpenLearn. A complete list of systems thinking resources is available on our School of Engineering and Innovation pages.

180 credits

Minimum - 3 years.

How long it takes
The minimum time to complete is 3 years. The maximum time to complete is 8 years.

Career relevance
Those with both professional interests and responsibilities in managing complex situations will find this masters qualification useful to them in their work. It will also provide the opportunity for those wanting to progress to demonstrate their potential to develop new skills. The flexibility of the choice of module allows you to tailor the content to your needs and can be applicable in a wide range of sectors; including health, education, environment, international development, community engagement, manufacturing, IT and science. The study of systems thinking and practice provides knowledge and understanding that is equally applicable in the public and private sectors. If you are self-employed you may also find the knowledge developed by studying this combination of modules provides the opportunity to take a more objective and innovative view of the systems they have already created and how to change these for the future.

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