BSc (Hons) Computing and IT (Software) | Open University

England

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Accessibility statement

This course has the following accreditations:

Stage 1 of this degree is the same as our

Certificate of Higher Education in Computing and IT (T12)

and Stage 1 of our

Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT (W36)

This computing and IT degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

You’ll study two 30-credit fundamental computing and IT modules and a 30-credit module that introduces some key areas of technology, plus choose one 30-credit mathematics module to suit your level of mathematical knowledge.

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

You’ll study four 30-credit modules covering programming, web technologies, as well as managing IT projects.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all four of the following:
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)	30	Oct
Managing IT: the why, the what and the how (TM254)	30	Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)	30	Oct
Web technologies (TM252)	30	Feb

You’ll study two further 30-credit modules covering programming and web technologies, choose a 30-credit option module and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Software engineering (TM354)	30	Oct
Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Communications technology (TM355)	30	Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)	30	Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)	30	Oct
IT systems: planning for success (TM353)	30	Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
The computing and IT project (TM470)	30	Apr \| Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:

You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors, interactive materials, project guidance, and personalised feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Computing and IT (Software) 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

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.

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:

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

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.

There are no formal entry requirements for 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 modules depending on your current skill level: Discovering mathematics (MU123) or Essential mathematics 1 (MST124). Find out which is best for you.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

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

£3,892*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.

£23,352*

That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.

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*	£28,605 £28,605
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£23,352 £23,352
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£19,070 £19,070
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£15,568 £15,568
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£9,535 £9,535
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£7,784 £7,784
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

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	£28,605 £28,605	£23,352 £23,352	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070 £19,070	£15,568 £15,568	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535 £9,535	£7,784 £7,784	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. 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 2026. 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

Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Learn more about this 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.

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:

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.

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.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

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.

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 12/02/2026

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Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026