Course details
This top-up degree has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start at Stage 3, choosing 90 credits from a range of modules and conclude your studies with a 30-credit project module.
You’ll build on your existing qualifications and experience by deepening your knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of topics. You’ll conclude your degree with an IT project – on a topic of your choice – which you’ll research, develop and present as a portfolio.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2020.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Top-up BSc (Honours) Computing and IT Practice uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- working in a group with other students
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- undertaking practical work
- finding external/third party material online
- using specialist software (for example the Design/Engineering Studio).
All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BSc (Honours) Computing and IT Practice degree. You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) depends on your grades at Stage 3.
Regulations
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.
Entry requirements
You must have passed one of the following OU qualifications:
- Foundation Degree in Computing and IT Practice (X15)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT Practice (W15)
If you have, email the Partnerships Team on partnerships-enquiries@open.ac.uk to register.
Some of the modules within this qualification also require you to have completed other OU modules:
- TM351 – Object-oriented Java programming (M250) and Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)
- TM352 – Object-oriented Java programming (M250) and Web technologies (TT284)
- TM355 – Discovering mathematics (MU123), Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) or Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)
Alternatively, you must have a similar qualification from somewhere else, for example:
- a foundation degree in a relevant subject
- a DipHE in a relevant subject
- an HND in a relevant subject plus work experience
Download, complete and return the Top-up BSc (Hons) Computing and IT Practice application form with evidence of your previous study. Applications to start in October 2020 must be received by 30 July 2020.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Skills for career development
This degree is relevant if you work, or would like to work with computing and IT systems – in hardware-based, software-based or systems-based contexts – and are looking for a qualification that shows you have a sound grasp of the principles of these technologies; you can apply these principles; and you’re aware of the surrounding issues. The individual project you’ll study at the end of this degree course will demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial piece of work. It will also be a valuable showcase for your abilities and professional skills, and provide a solid preparation for postgraduate study.
On graduation, you’ll be in a position to pursue a career in information technology, computing, communication technology and related fields – although you may need to undertake further training or study in order to enter a new career area.
Career relevance
Research by e-Skills UK has shown that IT and telecommunications now employs 1 in 20 of the UK workforce. It also suggests the digital sector will need nearly 300,000 new recruits by 2020 to meet the demand for skills in this area.
Computing and IT graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations alike. The extensive range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates includes retail, financial services, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare.
Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.
Accreditation
Our undergraduate degrees in computing and IT meet the accreditation requirements of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and have been accorded the highest levels of recognition in the last four accreditation cycles. Graduates from this degree will have fulfilled the educational requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP), and partially fulfilled the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng).
To gain BCS accreditation, you will need to complete your degree within seven years of beginning your study.
Other careers
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.
Exploring your options
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):
- app developer
- data analyst
- web developer
- software engineer
- network architect
- security analyst