The Open University launches business-led IT degrees

The Open University has launched two new computing and IT degrees that it says will make students ready for business on graduation.

The new courses, 'BSc (Honours) Computing and IT' and the 'BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject’ have been developed in partnership with sector skills association e-skills UK. They aim to equip graduates with the relevant business skills they need to be prepared for work in the IT industry.

Kevin Streater, Executive Director for IT and Telecoms at The Open University said: “These new degrees are the result of years of industry engagement and tackle two major issues raised by employers. The joint degree programme allows candidates to study IT alongside commercial subjects, improving the business acumen of graduates, whilst the single award provides students with clear paths to specific IT roles giving them more specialised skills, and increasing their value to employers.”

The new degrees have been designed to accommodate the individual needs of students at various stages in their working life, as well as those of employers. Using a variety of inventive learning and assessment techniques, these courses can help both existing professionals progress their career and computer enthusiasts take the first step on the IT career ladder.

These techniques include work-based learning, where students continue to earn a salary while they study for an internationally recognised qualification; credit for placements and previous work experience; and a vendor certification pathway which recognises their skills worldwide.

Mark Ratcliffe, Director of Higher Education Engagement at e-skills UK, who worked alongside The Open University in developing these degrees, said: “If we are to secure a healthy pipeline of talent coming into the industry then we need to engage people at all stages in their career in relevant industry learning. As a flexible and adaptable education provider, The Open University is perfectly placed to do this.”