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An image to illustrate the MSc in Computing
Build advanced skills and take your computing career to the next level. This masters degree allows you to tailor your studies through a broad route or follow a specialist pathway in software engineering accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. You’ll explore software systems, data management and information security, and learn to design effective solutions to real computing challenges. Practical and research-based study helps you apply your learning with confidence. You’ll graduate ready to take on senior roles in industry or continue your studies through research.
The specialist Software Engineering route has the following accreditations:
EURO-INF Label of Excellence logo
The first two-thirds of this MSc are the same as our Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (E81).
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits.
You’ll choose one of two routes:
You'll choose two 30-credit core computing modules and choose two 30-credit option modules.
ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll choose two from:
Information security (M811)
Explore the professional and technical skills to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of information security.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Digital forensics (M812)
Cover the history of forensics, criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices and forensic readiness.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Software development (M813)
Gain the fundamental knowledge, understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills needed to develop software artefacts for a real-world organisational context.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Software engineering (M814)
Explore advanced concepts and techniques used through the software lifecycle to effectively produce and manage large, complex, and long-lived software systems.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Project management (M815)
This APM-accredited module is for aspiring and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in managing technological projects.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Data management (M816)
Discover data management principles, practices and technologies to develop policies, procedures and systems that control and protect organisational data assets.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
You'll choose two from:
Systems security (M817)
Learn how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cybersecurity.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Network security (T828)
This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations, which explore information systems security management and secure Internetworked systems.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
Draw on theoretical perspectives from strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical approach to technological innovation management.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Technology and innovation management (TB801)
Examine innovation from a management perspective, and develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
Build your capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
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.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module U810, you may count this module.

You'll study two compulsory 30-credit core computing modules and choose two 30-credit option modules.
ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study both of the following:
Software development (M813)
Gain the fundamental knowledge, understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills needed to develop software artefacts for a real-world organisational context.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Software engineering (M814)
Explore advanced concepts and techniques used through the software lifecycle to effectively produce and manage large, complex, and long-lived software systems.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
You'll choose two from:
Information security (M811)
Explore the professional and technical skills to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of information security.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Digital forensics (M812)
Cover the history of forensics, criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices and forensic readiness.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Project management (M815)
This APM-accredited module is for aspiring and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in managing technological projects.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Data management (M816)
Discover data management principles, practices and technologies to develop policies, procedures and systems that control and protect organisational data assets.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Systems security (M817)
Learn how to apply a threat modelling approach to help design and implement secure system architectures, one of the essential technical areas of cybersecurity.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Network security (T828)
This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations, which explore information systems security management and secure Internetworked systems.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
Draw on theoretical perspectives from strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical approach to technological innovation management.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Technology and innovation management (TB801)
Examine innovation from a management perspective, and develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
Build your capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking.
Next start date: 01 May 2027
See full description
3001 May 2027
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.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module U810, you may count this module.

You'll choose another 30-credits of option modules and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
30 credits from any postgraduate modules or an OU level 3 module.
MSc project: researching in context (T803)
T803 is the capstone module of multiple masters qualifications, during which you’ll complete a small research project.
Next start date: 01 Nov 2027
See full description
3001 Nov 2027
Subject to regulations, if you begin the 60-credit Research project (T802) by October 2028, you may count this instead of T803 and the additional 30-credits required at Stage 2.
Subject to regulations, if you’ve passed the discontinued module T847, you may count this instead of T803.

By studying the MSc in Computing, you’ll:
You’ll study through supported online learning with expert tutors, interactive tasks and practical project work.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Science in Computing upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MSc Comp (Open) after your name.
If you complete the specialist software engineering route, your degree title will show that in brackets:
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
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’ll study the MSc in Computing part-time, completing 60 credits per year over a three-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

Some students may choose to study more than 60 credits a year by taking two modules at the same time over a six-month period. This would usually mean around 30 hours of study per week. Postgraduate study is demanding, and each module requires sustained focus, careful reading, and a greater level of precision and depth than undergraduate study. This guidance is designed to help you make an informed decision about whether a faster study pace is right for you, taking into account your work and personal commitments, as well as your confidence with postgraduate-level study.

You must complete the MSc in Computing within six years.
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 entry requirements for this qualification.
Although this qualification has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:
Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.
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.
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.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2026/27 academic year.
Modules starting in the 2027/28 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.
We’ll publish updated 2027/28 fees and funding information in March 2027.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£11,190*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*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.
Learn more about postgraduate loans 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.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
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.
Only the specialist Software Engineering route is accredited.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
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.
EURO-INF Label of Excellence logo
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, a website, interview simulation and 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.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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