To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. There are two routes through this qualification.
Route 1: You can study 180 credits and specialise within one of the following broadly related study areas:
- Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)
- Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
- Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
Route 2: You can choose to study a minimum of 120 credits within one study area (Groups 1–4), designated as your area of specialism for the masters, and take up to 60 credits from one or more other study areas, including:
- Further professional development options (Group 5)
Some restrictions or pre-requisite study may apply to certain modules or microcredentials. You should refer to the individual module/microcredential descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared to study.
MA/MSc Open Study Plan
As you’ll select from the modules and microcredentials listed below we’ve created a Study Plan to help you choose the route that best suits your professional needs or personal interests within the required time limit. The start and presentation dates of modules and microcredentials vary.
See 'Building your MA/MSc Open' below for more guidance, or contact an adviser to discuss your choices.
Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802)
This module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting through practical writing, reading and research activities.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- MA Art History part 1 (A843)
This first part of the MA will teach you the research methodologies and theoretical concepts of Art History.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 FINAL |
- MA Philosophy part 1 (A853)
This module introduces you to graduate-level philosophy through studying the beauty of nature; a classic text – Plato’s Meno; the nature of consciousness; and issues around global justice.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868)
You'll explore an interdisciplinary and changing field, discover new materials, and develop original ways of studying ancient evidence.
See full description Register
|
90 |
06 Sep 2025 |
- MA History part 1 (A883)
Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period.
See full description Register
|
90 |
06 Sep 2025 |
- MA Music part 1 (A890)
This module provides a solid foundation for postgraduate and professional academic study in Music, allowing you to specialise in almost any area you choose.
See full description Register
|
90 |
06 Sep 2025 |
- MA English Literature part 1 (A893)
You will be introduced to the study of literature ‘in the world’ across three broad themes: ‘the Popular’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘the Global’.
See full description Register
|
90 |
06 Sep 2025 |
- Introduction to translation theory and practice (L801)
This module explores different approaches to translation and you will develop an understanding of the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of translation work.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Translation in practice (L802)
In this module, you’ll engage in authentic translation tasks and use the latest online translation technologies to translate texts in a range of fields.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 FINAL |
- Core concepts in linguistics (L804)
This module introduces you to the foundations of linguistic study with a focus on real-world examples where language plays a critical role.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Language, society and artificial intelligence (L806) NEW
Explore the challenges of developing AI technologies that interact through language and gain critical skills in linguistics, ethics and in using Python for analysis.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A815, A825, A863 and A873.
Please be aware that the following modules represent foundation modules within the same subject area: A815/A893 (English/English Literature) and A825/A883 (History), A843 (Art History), A853 (Philosophy), A863 (Classical Studies), A873 (Music). Only one foundation module from each module listed here can be counted towards this qualification.
Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Children and young people's worlds (E808)
This module provides a broad theoretical overview of some of the key contemporary issues in the global study of childhood and youth.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Learning and teaching: educating the next generation (EE830)
This masters module will challenge you to think about what purposes of education could have and how education can be made fit for the future.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Educational leadership: concepts, change and challenges (EE841)
Explore educational leadership and management concepts, change, and challenges in local and global contexts.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice (EE844)
This module introduces contemporary issues in equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice, including disability, gender, poverty and race.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880)
This module will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), teaching and training.
See full description Register
|
60 |
07 Feb 2026 |
- Introduction to mental health science (S826)
This online module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression and develops postgraduate study skills.
See full description Register
|
60 |
31 Jan 2026 |
- Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
This module aims to equip you with critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E807, ED841, EE811, EE814, EE817, H800, H810, H817, K803 and K827.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Information security (M811)
Explore the professional and technical skills necessary to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of your organisation’s information security.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Digital forensics (M812)
M812 covers the history of forensics, both criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices as well as forensic readiness.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Software development (M813)
Gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills that you will need to develop software artefacts fit for a real-world organisational context.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Data management (M816)
Discover the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of an organisation’s data asset.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
This calculus module explores advanced topics, including the Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, Noether’s theorem and Sturm–Liouville theory.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Analytic number theory 1 (M823)
This module introduces number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Advanced mathematical methods (M833)
This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Fractal geometry (M835)
This module examines the geometry of fractals, aesthetically pleasing complex patterns often found in nature containing self-similar shapes at different scales.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Coding theory (M836)
This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Space science (S818)
This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions.
See full description Register
|
60 |
31 Jan 2026 |
- Environmental science challenges (S831)
- An opportunity to learn how to help address environmental problems whilst developing core skills directly relevant to employability and good citizenship.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880)
This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T808)
Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Manufacture, materials design (T805)
Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Network security (T828)
This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)
This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Making environmental decisions (T891)
This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M828, S807, S808, S825, T804 and T824.
Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- The role of the human resource professional (B810)
This module introduces the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Human resource management in context (B811)
This module examines how HR policies and practices operate within economic, political and social contexts at organisational, societal and international levels.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Employment relations and employee engagement (B813)
- Examine how employment relations and practices operate within changing economic, political and social contexts and at various levels.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Learning and development at work (B814)
This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815)
This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and investments, providing a basis for developing specialist financial expertise.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Financial strategy and governance (B816)
- Acquire the theoretical and analytical expertise necessary to guide financial strategy and make governance decisions within an organisation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Research methods for finance (B817)
This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to understanding and planning empirical research in finance.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- MA International relations part 1 (D818)
This module explores key dilemmas of interest to international relations, including international divisions, rising powers, security and global challenges, democratic crisis, and global ethical dilemmas.
See full description Register
|
90 |
06 Sep 2025 |
- Exploring legal meaning (W820)
This module looks at different legal research methods, including doctrinal, historical, comperative, socio-legal, critical, and feminist and transnational, to see how they can be used to create legal meaning and explore the place and meaning of law in the modern world.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 FINAL |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B860, B861, B863, B865, B866, B867, W821 and W822.
Further professional development module options (Group 5)
If you study Route 2, you can choose up to 60 credits from the following modules and microcredential options to complete the 180 credits needed for your MA/MSc Open.
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Creating evidence-based value in people management (B812)
This module explores evidence-based approaches to people management and will develop your ability to evaluate and apply evidence to people management decisions and policies.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Investment and portfolio management (B818)
This module explores the main participants and their objectives in the major investment markets. Topics include bonds, equities, derivatives, portfolio optimisation, performance measurement, ethical investment, taxation, and behavioural biases.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Derivatives and risk management (B819)
This module explores financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and how they are managed by using derivatives like futures, swaps and options.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Sustainable creative management (BB842)
This module explores creative, innovative and sustainable ways of developing and managing organisations and offers practical approaches for developing yourself, your team and your organisation.
See full description Register
|
15 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Supply chain management (BB849)
This module provides an analysis of important concepts and practices in supply chain management, taking into account issues such as supplier relationships, supply chain performance, sustainability and risk management.
See full description Register
|
15 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)
This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship and different forms of entrepreneurial practice.
See full description Register
|
15 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Leadership and management of public services (BB852)
In this module, you’ll study the many dimensions of managing public services, which may be public, private for-profit or not-for profit.
See full description Register
|
15 |
02 May 2026 |
- Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)
This module will help you become a knowledge leader by demonstrating that you’re ahead of current organisational and business challenges.
See full description Register
|
15 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Understanding global development (DD870)
This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.
See full description Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2025 |
- Project management (M815)
This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Technology and innovation management (TB801)
This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2025 |
- Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)
This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2026 |
- Advance your independent learning (YXM830)
- This innovative module allows you to take a topic of your choosing and focus on it in depth while developing your postgraduate study skills.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 Oct 2025 |
Further professional development microcredential options (Group 5)
*Microcredentials are 10–12 week professional development courses. Learn more about counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications.
|
- Leadership and management in intercultural contexts (BZVM803) NEW
Develop your leadership and management skills as you build a global mindset that will enable you to lead more effectively across cultures and national contexts.
See full description Register
|
15 |
13 Oct 2025 |
- Management of change: organisation development and design (BZVM802)
Discover tools and concepts of human-centred management and design, and develop skills to manage and lead in the 21st century.
See full description Register
|
15 |
13 Oct 2025 |
- Management of uncertainty: leadership, decisions and action (BZVM801)
Develop greater leadership skills and learn to make effective decisions in conditions of radical uncertainty.
See full description Register
|
15 |
13 Oct 2025 |
- Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses (HZVM882)
Develop the skills you need to evaluate the success of your online teaching and enhance your students’ remote learning experience.
See full description Register
|
15 |
13 Oct 2025 |
- Teacher development: embedding mental health in the curriculum (HZVM883) NEW
Develop skills to design inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment activities that enhance student mental health and wellbeing.
See full description Register
|
15 |
23 Jun 2025 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, BZFM801, BZFM802, D890, EZFM802, EZFM803, KZFM801, H818, H819, HZFM881, T848, T867, T876, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU872, TZVM850 and U810.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Excluded combinations
An excluded combination means some pairs or groups of modules cannot be counted towards the same qualification because their content overlaps. If you’re considering taking a module in a similar area to one you have already completed as a part of a qualification, you need to find out if they are an excluded combination. Please refer to the module descriptions or speak to an adviser if you require further information or advice about excluded combinations.
Building your MA/MSc Open
The MA/MSc Open gives you the freedom to tailor your qualification to your needs. Our Study Plan can help you identify which modules/microcredentials you want to study and the order you need to study them.
You can change your choices at any point during your studies. As we regularly review the curriculum, the availability of these courses is subject to change, so check the final presentation dates of the modules or microcredentials before planning out your qualification.
Here are a few examples of how you could build your MA/MSc Open. You can also talk over your choices with an
adviser.
Route 1
This example shows how you could study 180 credits specialising within one broad study area by choosing all modules from one subject group.
180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Route 2 – Example 1
This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and complete your degree with up to 60 credits from another study area or from the Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.
120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Plus 60 credits from Group 2 - Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Route 2 – Example 2
This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and complete your degree with 60 credits drawn from two other study areas or from the Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.
120 credits from Group 3 – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Plus 30 credits from Group 4 – Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law
Plus 30 credits from Group 5 – Further professional development
If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules/microcredentials you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.