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An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Computing and Engineering
This course develops your skills in and understanding of computing and engineering, two areas that underpin most aspects of our daily lives. You'll gain a foundation in the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies, alongside computing skills and a basic understanding of engineering, which can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities. You'll be able to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations, and the transferable skills you gain will apply to professional development in the field.
This Certificate of Higher Education is the same as Stage 1 of our BSc (Honours) Computing with Electronic Engineering (R62) and Diploma of Higher Education in Computing with Electronic Engineering (W92).
This computing and engineering certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study two 30-credit fundamental computing modules and two 30-credit core engineering modules, gaining the foundational knowledge and skills for further computing and engineering study.
The computing modules you study will depend on which module you start with. If you start with TM111, you’ll study TM111 and TM112. If you start with TM110, you’ll study TM110 and TM113.

ModulesCreditsStart month
If you start in October 2026, you'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Oct | Apr
If you start in April 2027, you'll study both of the following:
Computing fundamentals 1: concepts and Python programming (TM110)30Oct | Apr
Computing fundamentals 2: programming, databases, software engineering (TM113)30Oct | Apr
You can study TM110 from April 2027 and TM113 from October 2027.
You can begin TM112 no later than October 2027.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30Oct | Apr
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)30Oct

By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, flexible learning materials, interactive tools, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Computing and Engineering upon successful completion.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this certificate in two years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
You have up to seven years to finish your certificate.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need:
Check you have the necessary skills with our self-assessed engineering quizzes
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
£8,176*
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
This certificate is useful if you already work or would like to work with computing and IT systems. Equipping you with a foundation in the basic principles of hardware-, software-, and systems-based technologies. And preparing you for employment in software engineering, communications, networks, web technologies, or engineering related roles. You'll develop important transferable skills such as time management, numeracy, and problem solving.
The digital sector must meet the demand for skills in IT and telecommunications. This certificate is a starting point for a career in an extensive range of organisations and sectors. They include:
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
Ask a question
Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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