Shortened BSc (Honours) Computing and its Practice
On this page
Degree
- Code
- B40
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credit points
Description
The Computing and its Practice Foundation Degree top-up programme is intended for computing practitioners who have already completed a foundation degree, and who now wish to build up their knowledge and skills in computing to degree level.
In particular, our aim is to give you:
- a thorough understanding of the key concepts of computing, of the types of software systems that are now being developed, and of the tools and methods used to construct them
- advanced skills in the main tasks that are carried out as software is constructed and maintained, such as analysis, design, programming and evaluation
- the ability to communicate computing ideas effectively
- the qualities that come with being a graduate in any discipline: specialist knowledge, intellectual self-confidence and independence, analytical ability and the life-long learning skills needed to keep up with fast-changing technologies.
Planning your studies
You will need to have already successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Computing and its Practice (G06), or equivalent prior study approved by the University, such as a relevant foundation degree from another institution or an HND together with vocational experience. Please contact mct-ugictcp-query@open.ac.uk if you would like more information.
You may study the courses in any order, except that you must complete the relevant Level 3 course before tackling your honours project, which should normally be the final course you take.
Some of these courses assume particular knowledge that could have been gained by studying specific Open University courses at Level 2. If you did not include these courses in your foundation degree, you may need to consider taking one of these courses as additional preparation before commencing your honours studies.
There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification; however, you should note limitations on individual courses as mentioned below.
Career relevance and employability
This degree builds on the knowledge gained in your foundation degree, offering you the opportunity to demonstrate learning to honours degree level. This places you on the professional ladder, with the chance to work towards professional recognition at the level of Incorporated Engineer or higher. For more information about this, please download our Recognition leaflet 3.7 Computing, or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
During the degree, you undertake an individual honours project, so you can show how you are able to undertake a substantial piece of work on a topic you have selected. This project is not only valuable to employers as a show-case for your abilities and professional skills; it will also give you a solid preparation for graduate study should you be so inclined.
Ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for the careers publication OU study and your career if you want to find out more about the process of career development and about sources of careers information and guidance.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
There’s more information about the career relevance of degrees on the national HE Prospects website.
Courses
For this 120-point top-up programme you require:
60 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 3 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
And 60 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 3 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses M301*, M358, M360, TM421, TM422, TM427
*You may count the discontinued course M301 instead of M362 and M363
All of the Computing and IT courses can count towards this qualification for a maximum of three years after we have stopped presenting them. See course descriptions for future availability.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required courses you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Computing and its Practice degree. The class of the degree is determined exclusively on the 120 points taken in the top-up.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- Shortened BSc (Honours) Computing and its Practice
- Schedule A to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Computing and ICT.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.