Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT: pathway

Stage 1

You’ll start your Stage 1 studies with My digital life (TU100)My digital life::While you’re learning about tomorrow's technology why not help create it? My digital life takes you on a journey from the origins of information technology through to the familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical technologies. You'll get hands-on experience of the ubiquitous computing approaches that will become increasingly common over the next decade. You'll also learn about the profound social and technological changes associated with information technology – changes that will affect every one of us. This key introductory Level 1 course will help you prepare for these changes – think of it as an online survival kit for the twenty-first century.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,TU100,,1 (60 credits), which gives you hands-on experience of designing, building and programming the small, ubiquitous computers that will become increasingly common over the next decade. You’ll also learn about the profound technological, economic, political and ethical changes brought about by information technology that will affect every one of us.

Next, you’ll develop your mathematical skills, choosing one of two 30-credit modules – Using mathematics (MST121)Using mathematics::This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics assumes some prior knowledge, as described on our MathsChoices website. The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This is not a course for beginners – at the MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) there are quizzes, sample material and advice to help you determine if this course is right for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,MST121,,1 or Discovering mathematics (MU123)Discovering mathematics::This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,MU123,,1 – to underpin your further study of computing and enhance your employability. 

Finally, the 30-credit module – Technologies in practice (TM129)Technologies in practice::This course provides an opportunity to sample some of the key areas in computing and information technology. You will be introduced to three topics as tasters for your future studies and career: networking, Linux and robotics. Studying these topics will enable you to develop essential skills if you are considering future employment in the computing and IT industry. You will be applying what you learn to develop a portfolio, to demonstrate your skills and understanding in these areas to potential employers. By studying this key introductory Level 1 course you can also begin to explore where your future career ambitions or interests might lie.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,TM129,,1 – will offer you an opportunity to sample some key technologies enabling you to develop essential skills and to explore where your future study and career aspirations may lie.

Stage 2

At Stage 2, you’ll begin your specialist studies in software development with two 30 credit modules Object-oriented Java programming (M250)Object-oriented Java programming::This course teaches the fundamental ideas behind the object-oriented approach to programming through the widely-used Java programming language. Concentrating on aspects of Java that best demonstrate object-oriented principles and good practice, you’ll gain a solid basis for further study of the Java language and object-oriented software development. You’ll need to be confident using a personal computer and have experience of writing small computer programs; the Level 1 course My digital life (TU100) would be ideal preparation. You should also be able to write short explanations of technical ideas in your own words, and be able to communicate with others electronically.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,M250,,1 and Software development with Java (M256)Software development with Java::Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. Starting from an analysis of requirements, you’ll be introduced to up-to-date analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing a software system, including a graphical user interface. Although the small systems developed in the course have been chosen to facilitate learning, the underlying concepts are widely used by professional software developers. Software models are created with UML and implemented with Java 6, using NetBeans. You need Java experience, preferably by prior study of an OU Level 2 Java course.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,M256,,1. You’ll learn how to specify and design computer programs, and develop your programming skills using the programming language Java. You’ll use industry standard software tools such as an integrated development environment and the Unified Modelling Language (UML); and you’ll also learn about the analytical techniques and processes essential for designing, specifying and implementing a software system including a graphical user interface.

In your studies of digital technologies you will explore the core principles upon which new technologies are built in Communication and information technologies (T215)Communication and information technologies::Digital communication and information technologies have become fundamental to the operation of modern societies. New products and services are rapidly transforming our lives, both at work and at play. This course helps you to learn about these new developments, and equips you with the understanding and skills to continue learning about them in the future. You will study the core principles on which the new technologies are built and, through a range of online and offline activities, investigate new topics and technologies. After studying the course you’ll be in a better position to appreciate the potential of the new technologies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W36-7,module,T215,,1 (60 credits). You’ll be introduced to the key concepts, issues and technologies associated with online communication and collaboration. You’ll also gain an understanding of the ways in which data is stored, manipulated and transmitted; and discover how new processes and services are transforming our lives.