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An image to illustrate the Top-up BSc (Honours) Computing and IT Practice
If you already have a foundation degree or equivalent qualification, this top-up gives you the chance to achieve a full honours degree in just two years. You’ll explore the challenges of specifying, designing, deploying and managing computing and IT systems, while tailoring your module choices to fit your career ambitions. The degree concludes with a substantial project linked to your chosen modules, providing you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and specialism. It’s a flexible and practical route to strengthen your expertise and advance your career in the information technology field.
This course has the following accreditations:
Engineering Council Accredited Degree logo
Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label logo
This top-up computing and IT degree has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
You’ll begin at Stage 3 (your existing qualification makes up Stages 1 and 2), and choose three 30-credit modules to suit your needs and interests, plus complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose three from:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)30Oct
Communications technology (TM355)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Information security (TM311)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)30Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)30Oct
Software engineering (TM354)30Oct
Systems penetration testing (TM359)30Feb
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)30Oct
You'll study the following:
The computing and IT project (TM470)30Apr | Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, structured distance-learning materials, feedback, online tutorials and forums.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Computing and IT Practice 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.
You can achieve this top-up degree in as little as one year and have a maximum of five years to complete it. 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 top-up degree in one year by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this top-up degree 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.
Your last module (TM470) ends in October, 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.
You must have passed one of the following OU qualifications:
Alternatively, you must have a similar qualification in a relevant subject from somewhere else, for example:
Some of the modules within this qualification also require you to have completed other OU modules or equivalent study (read the Entry requirements on the module descriptions).
The compulsory module T329 uses software that requires a 64-bit operating system. Therefore, you’ll need a computer with Windows 11.
You’ll find detailed computing requirements for each module in the ‘Computing requirements’ section of the module descriptions.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

2 years
£3,892*
A top-up degree is worth 120 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 2 years.
£7,784*
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:
If you hold an Open University Foundation Degree (X15) or Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT Practice (W15), applications are currently closed and will reopen on the 25th of March for the course starting in October.
If you hold an eligible entry qualification from another institution, applications are now open. Download, complete and return the Top-up BSc (Hons) Computing and IT Practice application form with evidence of your previous study. To start in October, you must apply by 13 August.
If you have queries about the application process, email [email protected].
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.
Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. You could develop your skills and knowledge in the key employment areas in need of skilled candidates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.
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.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
Engineering Council Accredited Degree logo
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
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.
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):
Check you meet the Entry requirements, then see How to apply.
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
Check you meet the Entry requirements, then see How to apply.
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