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BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject

This flexible joint honours degree offers you a double opportunity. You can focus your studies on a specific area of computing & IT and combine it with business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – dividing your time equally between subjects. Organisations are critically dependent on computing technologies, and people who can apply specialist IT knowledge within the context of another discipline are in particular demand.

Key features of the course

A wide choice of computing & IT modules, and flexible options in your second subject
Tailor a study programme to meet your particular needs and interests
Establish or develop a varied and fulfilling career
Position yourself to meet the needs of today’s employers

Degree

Course code: Q67
Credits: 360
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: See Fees & funding
Entry requirements: None

Are you ready for study?
Find out here

Register for this course

Start dates

Credit transfer: apply by 14/08/2014

Credit transfer: apply by 11/12/2014

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Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits (equivalent to one year's full-time university study). Stage 1 provides the underpinning knowledge and skills needed for more advanced study at Stages 2 and 3.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll begin by gaining hands-on experience of designing, building and programming computers, and exploring the profound technological, economic, political and ethical changes brought about by information technology. You’ll also be introduced to your second subject and develop key employability skills. By the end of this stage, you’ll have built a solid foundation for further study.

Compulsory module (60 credits)

My digital life (TU100)
My digital life takes you on a journey from the origins of information technology through to the familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical technologies.

Compulsory module(s) (60 credits)

Choose a second subject:

Business

Either

Design

Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)
Explore the common principles of design, acquire new designing skills and develop an understanding of ways of thinking that lead to innovation and creative solutions.

Mathematics

Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)
This introductory university-level mathematics module covers key topics including calculus, vectors, matrices, sequences and functions, and assumes you are confident with the underpinning algebraic ideas.
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)
An introduction to essential topics – such as proof, differential equations, mechanics and discrete mathematics – and an opportunity to extend your knowledge of calculus and its applications.

Applied psychology

Investigating psychology 1 (DE100)
In this module you’ll explore the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and find out how psychological research addresses real-life issues.

Statistics

Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)
This introductory university-level mathematics module covers key topics including calculus, vectors, matrices, sequences and functions, and assumes you are confident with the underpinning algebraic ideas.
Introducing statistics (M140)
Learn statistical tools and quantitative methods, covering topics such as summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation.

Decision to make

You’ll need to choose which second subject to study alongside computing and IT.

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)

In computing and IT, you'll focus on computer science, digital technologies, networking, software development or solutions development; and delve deeper into related topics including software engineering, human-computer interactions or ebusiness technology. You’ll also extend your knowledge, understanding and skills in your second subject. You’ll conclude with an IT project which you’ll research, develop and write up – presenting your findings in a substantial portfolio report that you can show employers.

Please note: If you choose the networking topic you will be required to attend four UK-based day schools to gain hands-on practical experience of configuring networks.

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study. It’s not just study completed at a university that can be considered, you can transfer study from a wide range of professional qualifications as well. A full list of the qualifications and institutions we can consider for credit transfer can be found on our credit transfer website.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide original evidence of your previous study. We will compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen qualification and inform you of any award.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you’ll be awarded a BSc degree. The exact title of your degree will depend on your second subject:

BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Business
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Design
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Applied Psychology
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Statistics

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

The class of degree (first, second or third class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:

These regulations are also available on our Essential Documents website

Compare this course

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

Study skills for this qualification

The BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject begins with the module My digital life (TU100) which builds a solid foundation for further study. Although it’s an introductory module, to get the best from it you’ll need some basic knowledge of computing, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English. You can use our online diagnostic quiz Are you ready for TU100? to help you decide if you’re ready, or if you need some extra preparation.

If you’re thinking about choosing mathematics as your second subject, check that you’re ready for mathematical study at this level by visiting our MathsChoices website.

General study skills

Anyone can study with The Open University, but if it's a while since you did any academic work it's worth checking that your time management, computing and English skills are up to speed. Visit Can I do it? to find out more.

Help! I'm not ready

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don't worry! You can get started with an Access module – fascinating courses designed to introduce subject areas, build your confidence and prepare you for further study.

For this qualification, we recommend:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This fascinating, multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics, and would like to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. The subjects included are science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

The module is divided into three blocks:

Block 1: Life

Block 1 starts with biology and ecological ideas and uses varied examples to describe interrelationships between plants, animals and the wider environment while developing your study skills. You will learn about the unique role of humans, and explore how we have changed the environment to suit our needs through farming or conservation. You’ll consider how we can tell what effect current lifestyles have on the environment by introducing the ecological footprint model and look at sustainable living and how we can conserve declining species and habitats. This block also introduces key mathematical ideas and you will learn techniques to help you tackle everyday mathematical problems.

Block 2: Water

Water is essential for life and fundamental to what we do. In Block 2 you’ll investigate how water has shaped our planet and our lives. You will learn and develop skills that will aid your understanding and use of a variety of tools used in science. You will also access the Open University Library and the wide variety of materials that this can offer. You will investigate the presence of water in potatoes and how water is required for yeast to respire in some home experiments, and through these home experiments, learn about how we can use experimental data to develop and refine hypotheses. Underpinning this is some essential mathematics and further computing skills to develop your study of science, technology and mathematics.

Block 3: Home

Block 3 introduces you to the subjects of design, engineering and computing around the central concept of home. You will find out how homes are designed, and can be designed better, through the use of engineering and computing. Block 3 is a practical block where you will complete a number of design, engineering, and computing activities and experiments. You’ll also be introduced to an online design studio where you will keep a portfolio of the work you do. You’ll also continue to learn mathematics and IT skills to support your developing knowledge of some computing and engineering concepts.

The module includes a DVD and website which include further study materials and resources as well as online quizzes and interactive exercises to help test your understanding.

As you study this module you will build your confidence and develop your study skills, including:

reading and interpreting information
producing written communications
time management and organisational skills
problem solving.

You will also have the opportunity to gain skills such as working with audio and video material, using online forums and searching the internet for information. This experience will provide you with a gentle introduction to using a computer to support your study, and will equip you with the basic IT skills you will need for the next step in your studies.

Please note that you will need access to the internet and a computer to study and pass this module. You will need to use a computer early on in the module but not straight away, so if you don’t currently have one you’ve got time to make arrangements. You can use your own computer or one at a library or drop-in centre.

On successful completion of this module you will receive an Open University Access Module Certificate.

Course work includes:; 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
: 6 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
: End-of-module assessment
: No residential school

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Your next step

Call our Student Registration & Enquiry Service on +44 (0)1908 659253. Our friendly team of advisers will discuss your study options with you, and help you decide on the best starting point for you. Or come and meet us at an event near you.

How much will it cost?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread, or even reduce, the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification upfront.
If like most OU students studying part time, you study an average of 60 credits a year – you’ll study for six years to complete a degree. Our typical fee for 60 credits is £2,632.
Our current fee is £5,264 – based on 120 credits of study – which is equivalent to a year's full-time study.
The total cost of your chosen qualification starts from £15,792 based on our current fees.

Typical cost per year

Select the number of credits you are planning to study per year. Most OU students study 60 credits a year, for some qualifications it is possible to study more or less credits.

Credits

Cost

£2,632

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a laptop, travel to tutorials, set books and internet access.

Residential school fees

This course may contain a residential school, when you study this the tuition fee may not include accommodation and meals, and you may be asked to pay an additional fee of up to £255. You will also be responsible for the cost of your travel to the venue. If you're on a low income you will be able to apply for help with these costs after you've registered.

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable than you might think. Options include Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship.

We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you.

Just answer these simple questions to find out more about the options available to you.

Do you already hold a degree?

Yes

Are you employed?

Yes

Tick box if you are a member of British Forces Posted Overseas

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider business in addition to technical ability. This joint honours degree enables you to develop specialist knowledge and understanding in computing and IT, and to combine these with expertise in an additional discipline. Depending on your choice of second subject – business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – you’ll have a unique and focused skills set that will enhance your existing career and put you in a strong position in the jobs market, which increasingly depends on computing technologies across all sectors. You’ll also develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, people management, time management, numeracy, analysis and problem solving.

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 professionals are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations alike. Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider contexts in addition to technical ability. This degree will open the way for careers in sectors including retail, finance and commerce, leisure and gaming, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, government, health, education, and the voluntary sector.

Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data, in roles such as:

app developer
data analyst
web developer
software engineer
network architect
security analyst.

Accreditation

We design our computing degrees to meet the accreditation requirements of BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT. Our undergraduate degrees have been accorded the highest levels of recognition in the last three accreditation cycles, and we are seeking re-accreditation for this degree for students graduating from 2015.

Other careers

The range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. 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.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

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):

technical sales
app developer
data analyst

web developer
software engineer
network architect

security analyst
cyber-security manager.

Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, PlanIT Plus in Scotland and Prospects across all nations. You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.