The module consists of three blocks – each covering a key area in communication and information technologies – and an individual project:
Block 1: Enquiring and communicating
The first block covers technologies enabling wireless and mobile communications such as Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks and the Internet of Things. You’ll develop study skills such as finding information online and reading, evaluating and writing technological materials. You’ll use and further develop these study skills in Blocks 2 and 3. You’ll also learn some practical skills through using network simulation software.
Block 2: Protecting and prying
Block 2 covers technologies for computer security and discusses privacy and ethical issues around using these security technologies. You’ll further develop your writing skills, especially for writing reports. You’ll also learn practical skills through activities on computer security.
Block 3: Interacting and collaborating
This block covers principles and technologies for collaborative work and interaction design. You’ll work in a group on a collaborative project: using the collaboration and interaction design principles studied in this block, you’ll design and build a website. Collaborative work is the key study skill you’ll develop in this block.
Individual project
This project will form part of your final assessment. Using the knowledge and skills you’ll develop in Blocks 1–3, you’ll create a small website explaining new developments in communication and information technologies. This will include conducting a small literature survey to keep yourself updated with developments in the given topic.
Throughout the module, you’ll develop digital and information literacy skills – which are very important for your study. You’ll progressively develop academic and technical writing skills from Block 1 to Block 3. You’ll also develop some practical skills in using specialist software, which can improve your employability.
This module will:
The practical activities require the use of specialised software. The practical skill developed has a high vocational relevance.
In addition, the module develops important skills that are particularly relevant to the workplace, such as written communication, information literacy, numeracy, independent learning, critical analysis, and teamwork.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
TM255 is a compulsory module in our:
TM255 is an option module in our:
Communication and information technologies (TM255) starts once a year in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, you’ll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:
You should have some basic understanding of data communication and information technologies, such as how you can digitally represent data, manipulate it for security purposes, and transmit it over different media. You should also have numeracy skills equivalent to those gained through studying an OU level 1 mathematics module, and have a standard of academic English appropriate for this level of study.
Are you ready for TM255?
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) are ideal preparation.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM255 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
