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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

Course Summary

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Degree

Course code: Q67

Credits

360

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers Explore the subject

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits (equivalent to one year's full-time university study). Most students study 60 credits a year, taking on average six years to complete. We recommend that you study Stage 1 over two years as it provides the underpinning knowledge and skills needed for more advanced study at Stages 2 and 3.

If you have little or no knowledge or experience of studying, you may prefer to start your studies with an Access module as an additional preparatory stage. The credit gained from the Access module will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification.

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

An introduction to business and management (B100)
This module is an engaging introduction to the fascinating and challenging world of contemporary business and management for all OU business and management qualifications.

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 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

(if you choose this option, we recommend that you study TU100 first)

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 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 web 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.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject 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.

If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

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 – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

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 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 evidence of your previous study.

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 qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Essential Documents website.

BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject

Compare this course

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

If you choose the networking topic at Stage 2 you will be required to attend four UK-based day schools to gain hands-on practical experience of configuring networks.

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.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time completing 60 credits a year.
This will normally mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Read about how some of our students have fitted OU study into their lives, then find out if you have enough time to study by completing our time planner.

Help! I'm not sure I'm 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.

The credit gained from the Access module will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification.

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.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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In this section:: How much will it cost?; Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

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 up front.
A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
If (like most OU students) you study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year, you'll take six years to complete an honours degree. Our current fee for 60 credits is £2,786*.
Our current fee is £5,572* – based on 120 credits of study – which is equivalent to a year's full-time study.
The total cost of your qualification starts from £16,716* based on our current fees.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2017. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

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.

If you're on a low income you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you register.

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. Options include Part-Time 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 for courses starting before 31 July 2017.

You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

30 credits per year means you will study 8 - 10 hours per week

60 credits per year means you will study 16 - 20 hours per week

Do you already hold a degree?

Yes, I already hold a degree

No, I do not hold a degree

Are you employed?

Yes, I'm employed

No, I'm not employed

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Yes, I am a member of British Forces Posted Overseas

No, I am not a member of British Forces Posted Overseas

* The fee and funding information provided here is valid for courses starting before 31 July 2017. Fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University’s strategic approach to fees.

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, time management, numeracy, analysis and problem solving.

Please note that if you choose to study this degree with psychology as your second subject, your degree will not make you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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.

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 partially fulfilled the educational requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

To gain BCS accreditation, you will need to complete your degree within seven years of beginning your study.

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.

When you register on an Open University course, you’ll get all sorts of ideas and materials to help you prepare for study.

But if you can’t wait until then, here are some tantalising and fascinating videos to give you an idea of the quality of our learning programmes and a flavour of the OU’s unique style of teaching.

Watch

Why should we be interested in information security?

Cory Doctorow explains that, as the world is made out of computers, every part of life is at risk if people don't understand the information security dimension.

Colossus: the world's first electronic computer

A look at the Colossus computer at The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.

Telemedicine

A look at how video conferencing provides medical support doctors in Nepal, as it enables real-time communications.

Register for this course

Start dates

Feb 2017 - Registration closes 05/01/2017

Credit transfer: apply by 01/12/2016

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