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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject
This is one of several subject combinations available in our BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject (Q67). This degree provides you with both the technical expertise of computing and the creative insight of design, a combination sought after across various industries. You’ll gain skills in programming, systems and digital technologies, while also developing design thinking to solve user-focused and sustainable challenges. As you progress, you’ll tailor your computing pathway and apply your creativity through practical design modules. On completion, you'll be ready to shape digital products, services and solutions in technology, business or creative sectors.
This course has the following accreditations:
Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label logo
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design (W42-CITD). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Computing & IT and Design (T13-CITD).
This computing & IT degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study two 30-credit fundamental computing & IT modules and one 60-credit design module that explores creativity and design thinking.
The core computing modules you study will depend on which module you start with. If you start with TM111, you’ll study TM111 and TM112. If you start with TM110, you’ll study TM110 and TM113.

ModulesCreditsStart month
If you start in October 2026, you'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Oct | Apr
If you start in April 2027, you'll study both of the following:
Computing fundamentals 1: concepts and Python programming (TM110)30Oct | Apr
Computing fundamentals 2: programming, databases, software engineering (TM113)30Oct | Apr
You can study TM110 from April 2027 and TM113 from October 2027.
You can begin TM112 no later than October 2027.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)60Oct | Feb

You’ll choose one of four computing and IT focus areas from communications and networking, computer science, software development and web development, and study one 60-credit design module that teaches the skills and practices to develop a designed product.
Study two 30-credit computing & IT modules from one of four focus areas.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Communications and networking focus
You'll study both of the following:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)30Oct
Communication and information technologies (TM255)30Oct
Computer science focus
You'll study both of the following:
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Software development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Web development focus
You'll study both of the following:
Web technologies (TM252)30Feb
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)
30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Design for impact (T240)60Oct

You’ll choose one 30-credit computing & IT module, study one 60-credit design module focused on creating opportunities and generating ideas for innovation, and complete your degree with a 30-credit computing & IT project module.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose one from:
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)30Oct
Communications technology (TM355)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)30Oct
Software engineering (TM354)30Oct
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)60Oct

Complete your degree with a 30-credit computing and IT project module.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
The computing and IT project (TM470)30Feb | Apr

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors, rich learning materials, online forums, and detailed feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and Design upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also 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 or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
To graduate with a BCS-accredited degree, you’ll need to complete the qualification within seven years. You can still complete the degree after this, up to the 16-year maximum, but it won’t be BCS accredited.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
Your last module (TM470) ends in October, so you’ll receive your final results in December rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.
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:
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.
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.
If you’re thinking about choosing mathematics or statistics as your second subject, check that you’re ready for mathematical study at this level.
If you choose the networking topic at Stages 2 and 3, you'll be required to attend at least one UK-based day school to gain hands-on practical experience of configuring networks.
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.
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 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.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
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.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider business in addition to technical ability. This joint honours degree enables you to develop specialist knowledge and understanding in computing and IT, and to combine these with expertise in an additional discipline. Depending on your choice of second subject – business, design, mathematics, applied psychology or statistics – you’ll have a unique and focused skills set that will enhance your existing career and put you in a strong position in the jobs market, which increasingly depends on computing technologies across all sectors. You’ll also develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, analysis and problem solving.
Please note that if you choose to study this degree with psychology as your second subject, your degree will not make you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Computing and IT is a rapidly growing sector of employment, and the UK is recognised as a world leader in producing talented graduates. Employers highly regard Open University computing and IT graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills.
Computing and IT professionals are in demand by providers (such as software companies) and user organisations alike. Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant to wider contexts in addition to technical ability. This degree will open the way for careers in sectors including retail, finance and commerce, leisure and gaming, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, government, health, education, and the voluntary sector.
Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and data science.
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.
Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality Label logo
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
The range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates is extensive. 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.
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):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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