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An image to illustrate the BA/BSc (Honours) Design and Innovation
This combined degree develops your understanding of computing and electronic engineering, emphasising practical knowledge and skills required by industry. You'll study digital and electronic technologies, programming, networking, manufacturing for product design, environmental sustainability, and the legal requirements to promote good practice. Gaining a sound grasp of the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies, and developing computing skills alongside a knowledge of electronics, opens up exciting career opportunities. Smart devices are now everywhere, and computing, electronics and telecommunications impact our everyday lives – you’ll be able to apply your knowledge and transferable skills in various industries and organisations.
This course has the following accreditations:
Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label logo
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Computing with Electronic Engineering (W92). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Computing and Engineering (T47).
This computing with electronic engineering degree has three stages, each 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.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Apr | Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Apr | Oct

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

There are four computing and IT focus areas to choose from: communications and networking, computer science, software development and web development – you'll study two 30-credit modules from the focus area you choose, plus one further 30-credit computing module. You'll also study a 30-credit module providing an introduction to the wide application of electronic engineering.
Study two 30-credit computing & IT modules from one of four focus areas.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Communications and networking focus
You'll study both of the following:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)30Oct
Communication and information technologies (TM255)30Oct
Computer science focus
You'll study both of the following:
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Software development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
30Oct
Web development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Web technologies (TM252)30Feb
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
30Oct

Choose a further computing module
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose one from:
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Change, strategy and projects at work (T227)30Oct
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)30Oct
Communication and information technologies (TM255)30Oct
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Web technologies (TM252)30Feb

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)30Oct

You’ll choose two 30-credit computing modules from a wide range, study a 30-credit electronic engineering module focusing on signals, control and communications, plus complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose two from:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)30Oct
Communications technology (TM355)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)30Oct
Software engineering (TM354)30Oct
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)30Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose one from:
The computing and IT project (TM470)30Apr | Feb
The engineering project (T452)30Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, high-quality distance-learning materials, interactive resources, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Computing with Electronic Engineering upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
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 have up to 16 years to finish your degree.
You can study every stage of this qualification part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
From Stage 2 onwards, you also have the option to study at a full-time pace. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
Your last module (T452 or TM470) ends in September or October (respectively), so you’ll receive your final results in December rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.
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.
£23,352*
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 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
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 degree course is useful if you already work or would like to work with computing and IT systems. Equipping you with a sound grasp of hardware-, software-, and systems-based technologies. And preparing you for employment in software engineering, communications, networks, or web technologies. Also, you'll be able to practise as a designer of a wide range of instruments. Examples are industrial process monitoring equipment such as meters and gauges, production line systems, and industrial robotic systems. And to be a useful member of a systems integration team. You'll develop transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, and problem solving.
The digital sector must meet the need for skills in IT and telecommunications. Computing and IT graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations. The range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. It includes:
The electronic engineering aspect provides access to careers designing or working with a wide range of instruments, and in industries such as automotive or aerospace.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the award of Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of First Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.
Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label logo
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 12/02/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026
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