Open University

BSc (Honours) in Computing & IT and Design

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of this degree you will have:

• A broad critical understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT
• An understanding of a range of models and languages to support the analysis and design of computing and IT systems
• A broad critical understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying your second subject area
• An understanding of the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in your second subject area
• An understanding of the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used, particularly in your second subject area, how people interact with them, and the possibilities and limitations of such systems
• An awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of computing and IT systems, including in the context of your second subject area.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Apply and critically evaluate key concepts from computing and IT and your second subject area in a range of contexts
• Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems, and be aware of the limitations involved
• Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools relevant to your second subject area
• Critically analyse and evaluate a range of ideas, arguments or theories based on your second subject area
• Devise and carry out a project in computing & IT, in the context of your second subject area, that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding, and critically reflect on the processes involved and the outcomes of your work.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Analyse, design, evaluate and/or test computing and IT systems, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools where appropriate
• Plan and organise yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning to keep up to date with computing and IT and your second subject area
• Identify and address the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise in your second subject area and during the development and use of computing and IT systems
• Use appropriate professional tools to support your work.

Key skills

On completion of this degree you will be able to:

• Communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways, bearing in mind the audience for and the purpose of your communication
• Work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
• Work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and improving your learning
• Find, assess and apply information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
• Select and use accurate, appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
• Recognise and understand a range of technological problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study two 30-credit computing & IT modules and one 60-credit design module.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules from a choice of computing & IT focus areas and one 60-credit design module.
• In Stage 3, you’ll choose one 30-credit computing & IT module, study two 30-credit design modules and complete a 30-credit computing & IT project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Computing & IT

You'll study both of the following:

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)

Design

You'll study the following:

• Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Communications and networking

You'll study both of the following:

• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
• Communication and information technologies (TM255)

Computer science

You'll study both of the following:

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)

Software development

You'll study both of the following:

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)

Web development

You'll study both of the following:

• Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
• Web technologies (TM252)

Design

You'll study the following:

• Design Essentials (T217)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Computing & IT

You'll choose one from:

• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)
• Communications technology (TM355)
• Data management and analysis (TM351)
• Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)
• IT systems: planning for success (TM353)
• Software engineering (TM354)
• Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)

Design

You'll study the following:

• Innovation: designing for change (T317)

Computing & IT project

You'll study the following:

• The computing and IT project (TM470)

Skills for career development

Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider business in addition to technical ability. This joint honours degree enables you to develop specialist knowledge and understanding in computing and IT and to combine these with expertise in an additional discipline. Depending on your choice of second subject – business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – you’ll have a unique and focused skill set that will enhance your existing career and put you in a strong position in the jobs market, which increasingly depends on computing technologies across all sectors. You’ll also develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, analysis and problem-solving.

Please note that if you choose to study this degree with psychology as your second subject, your degree will not make you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Career relevance

Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.

Computing and IT professionals are in demand by providers (such as software companies) and user organisations alike. Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider contexts in addition to technical ability. This degree will open the way for careers in sectors including retail, finance and commerce, leisure and gaming, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, government, health, education, and the voluntary sector.

Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and data science.

Other careers

The range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. Beyond pure technology roles, some graduates also enter management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.