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BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Communications and Software)

In this specialist route through our BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Q62), you'll gain an understanding of software engineering concepts and a view of practical software development. You'll achieve a sound understanding of the principles of hardware- and software-based technologies, and the ability to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations. You'll learn about well-known software development processes and their phases; and activities and techniques that will help you to develop a critical understanding of the diversity of contexts of organisations, problems, and development teams.

Course Summary

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Degree

Course code: Q62

Credits

360

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding How OU study works Careers

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you'll study three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
In Stage 2, you'll study four 30-credits modules in the specialist area of communications and software.
In Stage 3, you'll study two 30-credit modules in the specialist area of communications and software; choose a 30-credit module from a range of options; and a 30-credit project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

At Stage 1, you’ll study two introductory computing and IT modules and sample some practical information technologies. You’ll also choose a mathematics module based on your confidence and experience.


Modules	Credits
You'll study all three of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)	30
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)	30
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30
You'll choose one from:
Discovering mathematics (MU123)	30
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

In Stage 2, you'll study modules in your specialist area of communications and software.


Modules	Credits
You'll study all four of the following:
Communication and information technologies (TM255)	30
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)	30
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)	30
Web technologies (TT284)	30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3, you’ll study a communications module and a software module; choose a further complementary module; then complete your degree with an IT project.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Communications technology (TM355)	30
Software engineering (TM354)	30
You'll choose one from:
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)	30
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)	30
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)	30
You'll study the following:
The computing and IT project (TM470)	30

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 15 March 2022.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT 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)
continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

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; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 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 of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Computing and IT.

If you choose a specialist route, your degree title will show that:

BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Communications and Networking)
BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Communications and Software)
BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Software)

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

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

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

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.

BSc (Honours) Computing and IT

Compare this course

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification; however, you’ll need some basic knowledge of computing, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

You have a choice of mathematics module depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). You can find out which is best for you.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£19,368	£8,382 (30%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£12,912	£5,588 (30%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£6,456	£2,794 (30%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £19,368

Saving with The Open University £8,382 (30%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £12,912

Saving with The Open University £5,588 (30%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £6,456

Saving with The Open University £2,794 (30%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 22/23 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work, or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website, with:

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials throughout the course could be online, face-to-face or a mixture of the two, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms, and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end of module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance; you’ll need to attend one of our many exam centres in the UK or Europe.
All exams taking place before 31 December 2023 will be remote exams that you will complete at home or at an alternative location.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This degree course is useful if you already work, or would like to work, in computing and IT systems. It will equip you with a sound grasp of hardware, software, and systems-based technologies. Depending on your choice of modules, the knowledge and skills you pick up will prepare you for employment in software engineering, communications, networks or web technologies. The course also gives you opportunities to develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, and problem solving.

Career relevance

Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. You could develop your skills and knowledge in the key employment areas in need of skilled candidates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.

Computing and IT graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations alike. The extensive range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates includes retail, financial services, leisure and gaming, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare.

Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.

Accreditation

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. BCS accreditation provides assurance that programmes of study meet high standards set by the profession.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that a degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the award of Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of First Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.

Other careers

Beyond pure technology roles, some graduates also enter management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

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 beyond your degree):

app developer
data analyst
web developer

software engineer
network architect
security analyst

cyber-security manager.

Register for this course

This is the Communications and Software route through our BSc (Honours) Computing and IT. You’ll register on the BSc (Honours) Computing and IT and enrol on the relevant modules for this route.

Start dates

Feb 2023 - Registration closes 12/01/2023
Apr 2023 - Registration closes 09/03/2023

Credit transfer: apply by 08/12/2022

Credit transfer: apply by 09/02/2023

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