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Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

This flexible diploma enables computing practitioners to pursue their career goals by gaining advanced knowledge, skills and techniques; and to develop a professional approach to the study and application of computing. A wide choice of modules means you can tailor your qualification to the varied requirements of industry and your own career needs, with the option to focus on information security, on networking, or on software engineering in more depth.

Diploma

Course code: E81
Credits: 120
How long it takes: 2–4 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Find out more in Why the OU?
Course cost: See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about entry requirements.

Course details Entry requirements Careers

Course details

Modules

You’ll choose one of three pathways:

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60–120 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
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 2021
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 2022
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 2021
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 2022
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 2022
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021

0–60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) NEW In this postgraduate module, you'll study the latest version of the CCNP curriculum, using an online virtual learning environment provided by Cisco. See full description Register	60	01 Nov 2021
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) This module allows you to evaluate and assess 150 hours prior learning and identify and progress appropriate development opportunities for future continuing professional development. See full description Register	30	06 Nov 2021
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 2022
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting whole-system change. Rather than passively accepting change, this module will equip you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2021
Systems security (M817) NEW Study systems security, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. Apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures. See full description Register	30	01 May 2022
Technology innovation management (TB801) NEW The module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop understanding of how you contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits from:

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 2021
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 2022

60 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) NEW In this postgraduate module, you'll study the latest version of the CCNP curriculum, using an online virtual learning environment provided by Cisco. See full description Register	60	01 Nov 2021
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) This module allows you to evaluate and assess 150 hours prior learning and identify and progress appropriate development opportunities for future continuing professional development. See full description Register	30	06 Nov 2021
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 2021
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 2022
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting whole-system change. Rather than passively accepting change, this module will equip you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2022
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 2022
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2021
Systems security (M817) NEW Study systems security, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. Apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures. See full description Register	30	01 May 2022
Technology innovation management (TB801) NEW The module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop understanding of how you contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

90 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) NEW In this postgraduate module, you'll study the latest version of the CCNP curriculum, using an online virtual learning environment provided by Cisco. See full description Register	60	01 Nov 2021
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021

30 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) This module allows you to evaluate and assess 150 hours prior learning and identify and progress appropriate development opportunities for future continuing professional development. See full description Register	30	06 Nov 2021
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 2021
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 2022
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 2021
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 2022
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting whole-system change. Rather than passively accepting change, this module will equip you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2022
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 2022
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2021
Systems security (M817) NEW Study systems security, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. Apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures. See full description Register	30	01 May 2022
Technology innovation management (TB801) NEW The module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop understanding of how you contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

60 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
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 2022
Software engineering (M814) Explore the advanced concepts and techniques used throughout the software life cycle, for the effective production and management of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) NEW In this postgraduate module, you'll study the latest version of the CCNP curriculum, using an online virtual learning environment provided by Cisco. See full description Register	60	01 Nov 2021
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) This module allows you to evaluate and assess 150 hours prior learning and identify and progress appropriate development opportunities for future continuing professional development. See full description Register	30	06 Nov 2021
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 2021
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 2022
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 2021
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 2022
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting whole-system change. Rather than passively accepting change, this module will equip you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
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 2022
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 2021
Systems security (M817) NEW Study systems security, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. Apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures. See full description Register	30	01 May 2022
Technology innovation management (TB801) NEW The module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop understanding of how you contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2021
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

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.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

Credit transfer

If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible as it may affect your choice of OU modules. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded one of the following:

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering).

You will be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Comp (Open) after your name. The qualification will be classified as pass or distinction.

You may continue your studies and add a further 60 credits to your diploma to gain an MSc in Computing (F66), MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics), MSc in Computing (Networking) or MSc in Computing (Software Engineering).

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 Student Policies and Regulations website.

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2021.

Entry requirements

You will need a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent) in computing or a related discipline, or relevant industrial experience. If you do not hold a bachelors degree, irrespective of your industrial experience, you will need to study a module from the Postgraduate Certificate in Computing (K22) to demonstrate your ability to study successfully at postgraduate level.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

Our badged open course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, will introduce you to the nature of Master's level study. It offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level – and is free.

How long it takes

Most students study this qualification over two years, which is the minimum time needed, completing 60 credits each year. The maximum time to complete is four years.

Career relevance

The modules in the postgraduate computing programme are for professional computer specialists, engineers, technical managers and scientists who need to update their skills and knowledge in specific areas, and gain recognised qualifications to develop their careers.

The modules have been developed to combine theoretical and practical aspects of computing, to enable you to become an effective professional in the computing industry. In addition they encourage you, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.

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

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

Diploma

Course details

Modules

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

The Open University

OU Community

OU Students Community

Support

Study

Policy

Course details

Modules

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Networking)

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

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