Skip to content The Open University
    An undergraduate qualification in Computing and IT.

BSc (Honours) Computing and IT

On this page

Description

Computing and IT skills have become fundamental to the way we live, work, socialise and play. This degree course opens up the world of technology and an array of exciting careers in a wide range of sectors – from finance, government, health, education and the ‘Third Sector’, to business, gaming and commerce. You may want to become a confident user and manager of information technologies; to administer and manage network or database systems; or to develop new software solutions to meet specific market or organisational needs. The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT offers a variety of pathways, giving you the opportunity to specialise in digital technologies, software development, solutions development, networking or professional practice. If you’re currently employed, there are valuable opportunities to incorporate work-related learning that builds on your existing role and equips you for new responsibilities.

Fees and facts

Where will you be resident whilst you study?

If your country isn’t listed here, visit our international prospectus.

Fee: Choose country above to see fee and ways to pay.
Study method: Flexible, part-time study through distance learning.
Type of qualification: Degree
Degree
undergraduate.qualification.Q62,qualification,,degree,1

Undergraduate or bachelors degrees are nationally recognised qualifications consisting of academic study designed to that help you gain a thorough understanding of a subject.

For a degree in a named subject, such as business studies or humanities, you'll study mainly in your chosen subject, although you may be able to include some modules from other subjects.

With The Open University you could also study an Open degree where you can combine a range of modules from similar or different subjects to suit either your particular career or personal interests.

You can use a degree to:

  • change careers or progress your current career,
  • gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a subject you are interested in,
  • gain professional recognition,
  • go onto postgraduate study, such as a diploma or masters degree.
Code: Q62

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this degree.

Career relevance and employability

This degree course is relevant if you already work, or would like to work, with computing and IT systems and are looking for a qualification that gives you a sound grasp of the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies – along with an ability to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations. Depending on your choice of modules, you’ll gain a good preparation for employment in software engineering, communications, networks or web technologies.

Designing, developing and deploying IT systems are not solitary activities: they require outstanding teamwork and ‘people management’ skills, along with knowledge of how businesses and organisations operate. The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT will give you the opportunity to gain experience of working in a team to tackle an appropriate development task. You’ll also undertake a project to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial piece of work on a topic you’ve selected.

You’ll gain a range of highly valued transferable skills in:

  • communication
  • time management
  • numeracy
  • analysing and solving problems.

Depending on which modules you choose, the degree may help you obtain professional recognition from BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, a professional body established by royal charter. We will be seeking professional recognition for three pathways through this degree: software development, digital technologies and a path combining both of these.

There’s more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

Choose a pathway and register

Pathways allow you to specialise or choose particular topics that interest you. You will need to choose a pathway before registering.

This flexible degree offers five study pathways, enabling you to focus on aspects of computing and IT of particular interest to you. You can specialise in software development, digital technologies, networking (CCNA), solutions development and computer science. Stage 1 of the degree is common to all the pathways.

Next start
Computer science pathway Oct 2013
Digital technologies pathway Oct 2013
Networking CCNA pathway Oct 2013
Software development pathway Oct 2013
Solutions development pathway Oct 2013

Credit for previous study elsewhere

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for this qualification.  

If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete this qualification. This may also mean that the next start date and the maximum time limit for this qualification are different to those shown above.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.

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.

Classification of your degree

On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computing and IT degree.

Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from those modules above Level 1. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3 and will include the grade you achieve in the 30-credit project module whether or not it is among your best grades at that level.

You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:

These regulations are also available on our Essential Documents website.

If you have a disability

Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:

  • the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
  • how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
  • any work-based competency requirements.

Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:

Computing requirements

You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a Microsoft Windows (new since 2007), Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate. However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer developments and the way we teach.

Distance learning

The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.

For more information read Distance learning explained.

Are you already an OU student ? Go to StudentHome for information on choosing your next module.

Your questions

Try our frequently asked questions.

Come and meet us at an event near you.

Or contact an adviser by Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35

Employers' questions

Contact Corporate Enquiries
Visit our website for employers or Email us

Get a prospectus

Download or
order