MSc in Computing

This qualification is relevant to the industry. It covers a range of topics, incorporating transferable skills applicable to professional development. It provides a rigorous approach to the study and application of computing. Choose between four routes. A flexible broad route lets you select modules to suit your needs. Or choose one of the other routes listed to develop in-depth specialist knowledge. Finish with an independent project on a topic of your choice.

Masters degree

Course code: F66
Credits: 180
How long it takes: 3–6 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: Postgraduate loan available
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 four routes:

MSc in Computing (broad route)
MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
MSc in Computing (Networking)
MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

MSc in Computing (broad route)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023

0–60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) 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 2023
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 May 2023
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 2023
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
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 May 2023
Systems security (M817) This module teaches how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

You’ll choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module is the final part of an MSc; you’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description	60	No current presentation

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
MSc project: researching in context (T803) PLANNED	30	04 Nov 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T842 and T847.
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.	30

MSc in Computing (Networking)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

90 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) 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 2023
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023

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 May 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 May 2023
Systems security (M817) This module teaches how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

You’ll choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module is the final part of an MSc; you’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description	60	No current presentation

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
MSc project: researching in context (T803) PLANNED	30	04 Nov 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T842 and T847.
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.	30

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

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 2023
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 2023

60 credits from:

Modules	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) 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 2023
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 May 2023
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 2023
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 2023
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 May 2023
Systems security (M817) This module teaches how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

You’ll choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module is the final part of an MSc; you’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description	60	No current presentation

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
MSc project: researching in context (T803) PLANNED	30	04 Nov 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T842 and T847.
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.	30

MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 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 2023
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 2023

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Advanced networking (CCNP Enterprise) (T829) 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 2023
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 May 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
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 2023
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
Network security (T828) This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description Register	30	01 Nov 2023
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 2023
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 May 2023
Systems security (M817) This module teaches how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cyber security. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Technology innovation management (TB801) This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation. See full description Register	30	01 May 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T824, T846, T848, T889, TU811 and TU812.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

You’ll choose either:

a research route
a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
Research project (T802) This research module is the final part of an MSc; you’ll design your own research and submit a dissertation. See full description	60	No current presentation

Professional route

60 credits from:

Module	Credits	Next start
MSc project: researching in context (T803) PLANNED	30	04 Nov 2023
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules T842 and T847.
Plus 30 credits from any modules at OU Level 3 or above.	30

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. Note, in particular, you can count the credit from the following modules towards only a single qualification: Research project (T802); MSc project: researching in context (T803).

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 successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Science in Computing. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc Comp (Open) after your name.

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

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
MSc in Computing (Networking)
MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

If your masters degree is awardable with a distinction or a merit, the qualification regulations explain how you can achieve these.

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

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.

MSc 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 15 March 2022.

Entry requirements

To start this MSc, 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 three years, which is the minimum time needed, completing 60 credits each year. The maximum time to complete is six 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. They 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 aim to 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.

Accreditation

Information Security and Forensics route and Software Engineering route, if including the 30-credit project module T847:

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially 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.
https://www.bcs.org/

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the award of Euro-Inf Master Quality Label on behalf of EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education e.V.) as satisfying the outcomes of Second Cycle Programmes specified by the Euro-Inf Framework Standards and Accreditation Criteria for Informatics Degree Programmes.
https://eqanie.eu/quality-label/

Information Security and Forensics route and Software Engineering route, if including the 60-credit project module T802:

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).
https://www.engc.org.uk/

MSc in Computing

Masters degree

Course details

Modules

MSc in Computing (broad route)

MSc in Computing (Networking)

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Accreditation

The Open University

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Course details

Modules

MSc in Computing (broad route)

MSc in Computing (Networking)

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

How long it takes

Career relevance

Accreditation

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