Modules
There are three pathways available for this degree:
MSc in Computing
MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)
MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
We advise you to begin with modules from the first list for each pathway before moving on to the second.
MSc in Computing
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
60 credits from List A:
List A: optional modules Credits Next Start:
Data management (M816)
Digital forensics (M812)
Information security (M811)
Project management (M815)
Software development (M813)
Software engineering (M814)
Plus A further 60 credits from List A, or from List B:
List B: optional modules Credits Next Start:
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Managing technological innovation (T848)
Network security (T828)
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846 or T889
Plus
And 60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:
Research route
Compulsory module Credits Next start
Research project (T802)
Professional route
Compulsory module Credits Next start
The MSc professional project (T847)
Plus a further 30 credits from List B, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.
MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M813):
Compulsory modules Credits Next start
Software development (M813)
Software engineering (M814)
Plus
60 credits from List C:
List C: optional modules
Credits Next start
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
Data management (M816)
Digital forensics (M812)
Information security (M811)
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Managing technological innovation (T848)
Network security (T828)
Project management (M815)
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846 or T889
Plus
60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:
Research route
Compulsory module Credits Next start
Research project (T802)
Professional route
Compulsory module Credits Next start
The MSc professional project (T847)
Plus a further 30 credits from List C, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.
MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:
60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M811):
Compulsory modules Credits Next start
Information security (M811)
Digital forensics (M812)
Plus
60 credits from List D:
List D: optional modules
Credits Next start
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
Data management (M816)
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Managing technological innovation (T848)
Network security (T828)
Project management (M815)
Software development (M813)
Software engineering (M814)
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846 or T889
Plus
60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:
Research route
Compulsory module
Credits Next start
Research project (T802)
Professional route
Compulsory module
Credits Next start
The MSc professional project (T847)
Plus a further 30 credits from List D, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.
You should note that the Universitys 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 only count the credit from one of the following modules towards a single qualification: Research project (T802) or The MSc professional project (T847).
The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.
Comment
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules for the qualification you can be awarded an MSc in Computing or if you have completed the modules required for a specialist study route you will be awarded either the MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics) or the MSc in Computing (Software Engineering). You will be entitled you to use the letters MSc Comp (Open) after your name. The degree will be classified as pass or distinction.
You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.
Credit transfer
If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible as it may affect your choice of OU modules. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.