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

Ten years ago Facebook and Twitter were in their infancies. Fifteen years ago broadband internet access at home was a 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, psychology or statistics alongside.

Course Summary

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Certificate

Course code: T13

Credits

120

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

Enquire about this course

Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers

Course details

This certificate of higher education has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start with two 30-credit computing & IT modules and complete your certificate with 60 credits of study in your chosen second subject.

Access – preparing you for study

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 start with an Access module designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study. Visit Am I ready? for more information about starting with an Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll begin by gaining the knowledge to design, build and program computers, while exploring the profound technological, economic, political and ethical changes brought about by information technology. You’ll also choose a second subject from business, design, mathematics, psychology and statistics.

Computing & IT modules
**You’ll start with two 30-credit computing modules:**
Modules	Credits
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30

Choosing a second subject
**You’ll complete your certificate with 60 credits from of one from five second subjects:**
Modules	Credits
Business
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Design
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)	60
Mathematics
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30
Psychology
Investigating psychology 1 (DE100)	60
Statistics
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30
Introducing statistics (M140)	30

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 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

The Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT with a second subject begins with the modules Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112), which build a solid foundation for further study. Although they are introductory modules, to get the best from them 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 (coming shortly) 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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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

Oct 2017 - Registration closes 14/09/2017
Feb 2018 - Registration closes 11/01/2018

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Course details

Access – preparing you for study

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Computing & IT modules

Choosing a second subject

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

Study skills for this qualification

General study skills

How much time do I need?

Help! I'm not sure I'm ready!

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

Your next step

How much will it cost in England?

Additional costs

Study costs

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?