MA/MSc Open

Do you want the freedom to design a personalised course of study across a range of disciplines? Then our innovative MA/MSc Open is the perfect choice. This flexible programme lets you build a unique postgraduate qualification by combining cross-curricular modules and microcredentials. You can broaden your subject knowledge, deepen your expertise within a chosen discipline and tailor your studies to meet your professional aspirations or personal interests. This masters degree is ideal for career development or academic progression, whether you choose to study across disciplines or specialise in one area, giving you control over your learning journey.

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You can complete all 180 credits within one study area, or take at least 120 credits in one study area and complete the remaining credits with modules from other study areas, including no more than 60 credits from professional development options.

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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
MA Art History part 1 (A845) The OU’s MA in Art History will deepen your understanding of art, architecture, and visual cultures as encountered across a range of cultures and periods. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
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. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
MA History part 1 (A883) Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
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. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
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'. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
Language, society and artificial intelligence (L806) Explore the challenges of developing AI technologies that interact through language and gain critical skills in linguistics, ethics and in using Python for analysis. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
Subject to regulations, if you've passed the discontinued module A815, A825, A843, A863, A873, L801 or L802, you may count one or more of these instead.

Modules	Credits	Next start
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
Children and young people's worlds (E808) Discover the evolving field of Childhood and Youth Studies, exploring children’s rights, inequality, mental health, and digital lives in a global context. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
Educational leadership: concepts, change and challenges (EE841) Explore educational leadership and management concepts, change, and challenges in local and global contexts. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
Equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice (EE844) Explore contemporary issues in equity, inclusion, and social justice in educational practice, including disability, gender, poverty, and race, in this OU postgraduate module. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
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. Next start date: 06 Feb 2027 See full description	60	06 Feb 2027
Introduction to mental health science (S826) This module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression. Next start date: 30 Jan 2027 See full description	60	30 Jan 2027
Subject to regulations, if you've passed the discontinued module E807, ED841, EE811, EE814, EE817, H800, H817, K803 or K827, you may count one or more of these instead.

Modules	Credits	Next start
Information security (M811) Explore the professional and technical skills to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of information security. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Digital forensics (M812) Cover the history of forensics, criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices and forensic readiness. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
Software development (M813) Gain the fundamental knowledge, understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills needed to develop software artefacts for a real-world organisational context. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
Data management (M816) Discover data management principles, practices and technologies to develop policies, procedures and systems that control and protect organisational data assets. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Analytic number theory I (M823) This module introduces number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) This mathematical models module uses analytical pencil-and-paper methods and the Maple computing language to teach advanced mathematical techniques. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
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. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
Coding theory (M836) This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures with encoding/decoding procedures and cryptography elements. Next start date: No current presentation See full description	30	No current presentation
Space science (S818) This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and space mission technologies. Next start date: 30 Jan 2027 See full description	60	30 Jan 2027
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Manufacture materials design (T805) This module introduces materials processing from a design engineer's perspective, exploring the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
Finite element analysis: 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. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations, which explore information systems security management and secure Internetworked systems. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) This module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and waste pollution. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Making environmental decisions (T891) This module teaches a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Subject to regulations, if you've passed the discontinued module M828, S807, S808, S825, T804 or T824, you may count one or more of these instead.

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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	30	07 Nov 2026
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. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
Employment relations and employee engagement (B813) Examine how employment relations and practices operate within changing economic, political and social contexts and at various levels. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	30	07 Nov 2026
Financial strategy and governance (B816) Acquire the theoretical and analytical expertise necessary to guide financial strategy and make governance decisions within an organisation. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	30	07 Nov 2026
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. Next start date: 05 Sep 2026 See full description	90	05 Sep 2026
Exploring modern legal issues (W811) Explore modern legal issues across areas including business, human rights, and technology while developing critical thinking, independent research, and key academic and employability skills. Next start date: 31 Oct 2026 See full description	60	31 Oct 2026
Subject to regulations, if you've passed the discontinued module B858, B859, B860, B861, B863, B865, B866, B867, W820, W821 or W822, you may count one or more of these instead.

You can include up to 60 credits from the professional development options below as part of the 180 credits required 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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	30	07 Nov 2026
Investment and portfolio management (B818) This module explores the main participants and their objectives in the major investment markets, covering topics such as bonds, equities, derivatives, portfolio optimisation, ethical investment, taxation, and behavioural biases. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	15	07 Nov 2026
Supply chain management (BB849) This module provides an analysis of important concepts and practices in supply chain management, taking into account issues such as globalisation, sustainability and risk management. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	15	07 Nov 2026
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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	15	07 Nov 2026
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. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	15	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	15	07 Nov 2026
Continuing professional development in practice (BXM800) You’ll review your past CPD, assess its impact, plan future growth, and learn simple ways to share your learning and turn it into real‑world professional impact. Next start date: 07 Nov 2026 See full description	30	07 Nov 2026
Management of uncertainty: leadership, decisions and action (BZVM801) Develop greater leadership skills and learn to make effective decisions in conditions of radical uncertainty. Next start date: 04 Jul 2026 See full description	15	04 Jul 2026
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. Next start date: 04 Jul 2026 See full description	15	04 Jul 2026
Leadership and management in intercultural contexts (BZVM803) 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. Next start date: 04 Jul 2026 See full description	15	04 Jul 2026
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	60	03 Oct 2026
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. Next start date: 08 Jun 2026 See full description	15	08 Jun 2026
Teacher development: embedding mental health in the curriculum (HZVM883) Develop skills to design inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment activities that enhance student mental health and wellbeing. Next start date: 22 Jun 2026 See full description	15	22 Jun 2026
Project management (M815) This APM-accredited module is for aspiring and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in managing technological projects. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
Technology and innovation management (TB801) Examine innovation from a management perspective, and develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) Build your capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) Draw on theoretical perspectives from strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical approach to technological innovation management. Next start date: 01 Nov 2026 See full description	30	01 Nov 2026
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) This module provides the background knowledge and practical skill set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future. Next start date: 01 May 2027 See full description	30	01 May 2027
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. Next start date: 03 Oct 2026 See full description	30	03 Oct 2026
Subject to regulations, if you've passed the discontinued module BB844, BB847, BB848, BZFM801, BZFM802, D890, EZFM802, EZFM803, KZFM801, H818, H819, HZFM881, T848, T867, T876, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU872, TZVM850 or U810, you may count one or more of these instead.

You can build your MA/MSc Open in different ways, depending on whether you want to focus on one subject area or combine modules from several. Here are some examples of how you could structure your qualification:

Select 180 credits and specialise in one study area.

180 credits from Arts, Humanities, Music and Language

Select a minimum of 120 credits specialising in one study area and complete your degree with up to 60 credits from another study area or from professional development modules.

120 credits from Arts, Humanities, Music and Language

60 credits from Education, Psychology, Health Sciences and Healthcare

Select a minimum of 120 credits specialising in one study area and complete your degree with 30 credits from one other study area and 30 credits from the professional development modules.

120 credits from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

30 credits from Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law

30 credits from professional development options

When planning your study, use the Study Plan or speak to an adviser to ensure your choices fit within the qualification time limits, as presentation dates vary. As we regularly review the curriculum, module availability may change. Check final presentation dates before planning your qualification. You should also check the individual module entry requirements to ensure you have the necessary pre-requisites before registering.

Some modules cannot be counted toward the same qualification if their content overlaps. These are known as excluded combinations. If you plan to take a module in a subject area similar to one you have already completed, check the module description to confirm that it does not form an excluded combination.

By studying the MA/MSc Open, you’ll:

You’ll study flexibly online, supported by expert tutors and high-quality learning resources.

You’ll be awarded a Master of Arts Open or Master of Science Open upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA Open (Open) or MSc Open (Open) after your name.

Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.

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

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

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 Student Policies and Regulations website.

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You’ll study the MA/MSc Open part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Typically, study durations vary: a 15-credit module requires around 130 hours over 13 weeks; a 30-credit module requires 8–10 hours per week; and a 60-credit module translates to 16–20 hours per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

Although it may be possible to complete this qualification in less than three years, we recommend taking no more than 90 credits a year due to the demands that studying the degree will place on you.

You must complete the MA/MSc Open within eight years.

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

The Open University provides advice and guidance to help students who have disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties or mental health difficulties.

For more information, visit our Disability support page.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

Typically, you will need a bachelors degree or equivalent qualification in a subject relevant to your intended specialist area of study:

If your bachelors degree is not in a subject relevant to your intended area of specialisation, we would normally expect you to have completed at least 60 credits of study at FHEQ level 6, or equivalent, in a subject relevant to your chosen specialist area before you register for this qualification. Depending on your previous qualifications or experience, some background study may be necessary before you register for this qualification or for particular modules and microcredentials.

Other qualifications and experience

If you do not meet the standard entry requirement but have other study or experience that you believe prepares you for this qualification, you can still apply. You will need to supply evidence of your study or experience, and your case will be referred to the Programme Admissions Team for consideration. For further advice, please contact us.

Module and microcredential requirements

Entry requirements for individual modules and microcredentials (for example, prescribed study order, prerequisite study or access to a particular work setting) must be met separately, where specified. Please refer to the individual module or microcredential descriptions to make sure you meet the entry requirements before registering.

Study plan and objectives

We recommend using the Study Plan when building your qualification. If your module/microcredential choices and objectives are better suited to specialised study within a defined area, we may recommend a relevant named degree programme.

You will need good computing skills and a level of proficiency in the English language that is adequate for study at postgraduate level. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. You can assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies by visiting the IELTS website.

If you are new to postgraduate study or returning after a break from academic study, we strongly recommend completing the free OpenLearn course Succeeding in Postgraduate Study before your course start date. This free course (around 24 hours of study across eight sessions) introduces the nature of study at masters level and offers essential preparation for learning at this level.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four 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 and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. Since module fees can vary, the total cost of the qualification will depend on the modules you choose. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£8,325–£16,020*

Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.

There are some additional costs that aren’t included.

Further information is available in the module descriptions.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our

Fee Rules

Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.

You may be eligible for:

This multidisciplinary programme may support a variety of career paths in both public and private sectors. Given that your study would be self-designed, the possibilities will depend on your choices. The MA/MSc Open is widely applicable and can equip you with the skills employers seek, enabling you to develop or change your career. If you are thinking of boosting your current prospects or moving into a new area of work, it is important that you design your programme by choosing modules that align with your career goals.

This programme is intended for students with interests in several fields, or for those whose career goals do not fully align with a single academic area or named degree. It is not a substitute for professional training focused on a single area, but it supports students seeking a qualification that offers a breadth of skills and knowledge across traditional boundaries. Rather than focusing solely on a specific degree subject, many graduate employers are more interested in skills such as communication, digital literacy and problem-solving, as well as attributes like initiative, sector awareness and global citizenship. The MA/MSc Open is an ideal way to develop and showcase your abilities across a broad range of skills.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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.

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

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Arts, Humanities, Music and Language

Education, Psychology, Health Sciences and Healthcare

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law

Professional development options

Building your MA/MSc Open

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Planning your study

Excluded combinations

Modules (180 credits)

Learning outcomes

Awarded qualification

International recognition

Regulations

Supporting you every step of the way

Manage your studies on the module website

Dedicated tutor support

Live online tutorials

How your learning is assessed

If you have a disability or additional need

Other support and resources

Entry requirements for this course

Have you studied before?

Tuition fee in England

Total fee for qualification at current prices

What's included?

What are my funding options?

Postgraduate loans in England

Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)

Card payments

Employer sponsorship

Bank transfers and mixed payments

Additional support

Career relevance

Exploring your options

How to apply

Need more information?

Request your prospectus

How to apply

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Undergraduate

Postgraduate

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