This module consists of three themes:
Theme 1: Essential information technologies
You’ll learn, among other things, about:
You’ll also develop your numeracy skills – from using scientific notation and percentages to calculating with binary representations.
Theme 2: Problem solving with Python
You will:
You’ll also be introduced to various problem-solving strategies, which you’ll practise as part of your project.
Theme 3: Information technologies in the wild
You’ll study:
You’ll also develop your analytical and communication skills – including collecting and using evidence to argue a point.
Each theme consists of parts – you’ll study one part per week. The themes are interleaved throughout the module. So, you may study a part on ‘Essential information technologies’ in one week, another part on, say, ‘Problem solving with Python’ in the next week, and another part on ‘Essential information technologies’ the following week. This allows you to revisit and strengthen your understanding of the concepts and skills of each theme throughout the module. Problem-solving and programming skills, especially, can’t be learned in a few weeks; they require continued practice throughout the module.
This module has particular vocational relevance for those wishing to develop a career in the computing and IT industry, providing many opportunities to demonstrate relevant technical knowledge and practical IT skills.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
TM112 is a compulsory module in our:
TM112 is an option module in our:
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) starts twice a year – in October and April.
It will next start in October 2026 and April 2027.
It will be replaced with Computing fundamentals 2: programming, databases, software engineering (TM113) from October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
You’ll need knowledge of digital technologies and networking, and skills in programming, algorithmic thinking, digital information literacy and communication.
You’ll be prepared if you’ve passed Introduction to computing and technology 1 (TM111). If you’ve not received your result, review your scores on TMA01 and TMA02; we recommend proceeding only if you’ve scored 40% or more on each.
Are you ready for TM112?
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM112 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 03 Oct 2026 | 31 Mar 2027 | 10 Sep 2026 | £2,044 |
| 03 Apr 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 | 11 Mar 2027 | £2,044 |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. 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.
