Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design
Online, United Kingdom
Certificate
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 7,272 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* total cost; part-time at a rate of 60 credits is £3,636 per year
Key Summary
About: The Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design introduces design principles and innovation in digital technology and examines technological, economic, ethical change. You split study equally between computing/IT and a second subject. Study uses online materials, tutor feedback, assessments and practicals. Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years; time limit: 7 years.
Career Outcomes: The certificate gives foundational computing, IT, digital design and problem-solving skills plus transferable communication, analysis and time-management skills. It boosts employability across sectors—software, cyber security, cloud development and Big Data—and prepares you for further study or roles in development, consultancy or freelance work.
This is one of several subject combinations available in our Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject (T13) – you’ll divide your time equally between the two subjects. You will be introduced to the processes of design and innovation, with particular regard to digital technology. You will also study the profound technological, economic, political and ethical changes that are driven by those digital technologies.
On completion of this certificate, you will have the basis for further study to develop the skills to contribute to the design of the digital electronic devices of the future.
Key features
- Explores the profound technological, economic, political and ethical change driven by digital advancement
- Examines the common principles of design and ways of thinking that lead to ideas and creative solutions
- Enhances your employability
- Builds a solid foundation for further study
This Certificate of Higher Education is the same as Stage 1 of our Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design (W42-CITD) and BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and Design (Q67-CITD)
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Accessing online catalogues and databases
- Specialist software
- Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
- Practical work
How long it takes
- Part-time study - 2 years
- Full-time study - 1 year
- Time limit - 7 years
This certificate of higher education is one stage, comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll study two 30-credit computing & IT modules and a 60-credit design 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)
Assessment
Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.
Computer-Marked Assignments
- Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.
Tutor-Marked Assignments
- You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
- They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
- Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.
End-of-Module Assessments
- The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
- Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.
Exams
- Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
- You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
- Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
- If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this certificate, you will have an:
- Understanding of some fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT and your second subject
- Awareness of the range of models and languages to support the analysis and design of computing and IT systems
- Awareness of the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in your second subject area
- Awareness of the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used, including in your second subject area, and how people interact with them
- Awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the deployment of computing and IT systems, including in the context of your second subject area
- Awareness of major trends in computing and IT and of the implications of these trends and of their impact on your second subject area.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- Apply key concepts from computing and IT and your second subject area in specified contexts
- Apply appropriate techniques and tools for problem-solving, designing and testing ubiquitous computing systems in your second subject area
- Carry out a project in ubiquitous computing that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- Develop and test a simple computer system
- Plan and organise your work appropriately
- Undertake ongoing learning to keep up to date with computing and IT and your second subject area
- Identify the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of computing and IT systems particularly in the context of your second subject area
- Use ICT tools and numerical skills, as appropriate, to help you learn effectively.
Key skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- Communicate information, arguments ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways
- Work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
- Work independently, planning, monitoring and reviewing your own learning
- Find information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
- Use appropriate numerical techniques to solve problems.
Skills for career development
This certificate course will equip you with the basic introductory skills and knowledge for a wide variety of careers relating to computing and IT, a sound grasp of the principles of different technologies, an ability to apply the principles, and an awareness of surrounding issues. During the course, you will gain a range of valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, analysis and problem-solving, and be well-prepared for further study. You’ll also develop your understanding of an additional subject alongside computing and IT, opening up further career paths.
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 certificate will enhance your employability in your current area of work, and 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 the management of Big Data.
Other careers
The range of organisations employing people with computing and IT expertise is extensive. A qualification in computing and IT has many applications beyond pure technology roles, such as roles in corporate or management consultancy firms, technical writing or freelance work.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
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.