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Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject

Ten years ago there was no Facebook or Twitter. Fifteen years ago broadband internet access at home was an unimaginable luxury. Twenty years ago you had to buy your books, music and feature films from a high street shop. How did the digital revolution begin? Where is it going? This course provides the answers – and the chance to study business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics alongside.

Key features of the course

Explores the profound technological, economic, political and ethical change driven by digital advancement
A choice of additional subjects to suit your career aspirations and interests
Enhances your employability
Builds a solid foundation for further study

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, the certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject (Q67) degree.

Course Summary

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Certificate

Course code: T13

Credits

120

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers

Course details

This certificate of higher education comprises 120 credits (equivalent to one year's full-time university study).

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)

This flexible certificate enables you to study computing and IT in combination with a second subject – choosing from business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics.

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 as your second subject, 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.

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 Certificate of Higher Education in 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

On completion

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

Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Business
Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design
Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Mathematics
Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Applied Psychology
Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Statistics.

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.

Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and a second subject

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

Study skills for this qualification

This certificate 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 tool Are you ready for TU100? to help you decide if you’re ready, or if you could do with 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 £5,572* 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

This certificate course will equip you with the basic introductory skills and knowledge for a wide variety of careers relating to computing and IT, a sound grasp of the principles of different technologies, an ability to apply the principles, and an awareness of surrounding issues. During the course you will gain a range of valuable transferable skills in communication, time management, analysis and problem solving, and be well prepared for further study. You’ll also develop your understanding of an additional subject alongside computing and IT, opening up further career paths.

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 certificate will enhance your employability in your current area of work, and 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.

Other careers

The range of organisations employing people with computing and IT expertise is extensive. A qualification in computing and IT has many applications beyond pure technology roles, such as roles in corporate or management consultancy firms, technical writing or freelance work.

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):

applications programmer
information systems manager
database administrator
information technology consultant
multimedia programmer

software engineer
systems analyst
systems designer
computer support specialist
webmaster

applications developer
web designer
technical consultant
network engineer
technical sales.

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.

Register for this course

Start dates

Feb 2017 - Registration closes 05/01/2017

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