Piecing together a tangram
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2-3 years part-time study
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

MA/MSc Open

Course code: F81

Do you want the freedom to create a personalised course of study across a range of academic disciplines? Then our innovative MA/MSc Open is ideal. This programme allows you to choose from cross-curricular modules and microcredentials to create a unique postgraduate qualification suited to your interests. It enables you to expand your discipline-related knowledge at masters level, gain broader subject-specific expertise, and pursue further professional development in areas that align with your specific employment needs and professional aspirations.

  • Study across different subjects or specialise in one of four related areas of study.
  • Offers the flexibility to design your own personalised programme of study.
  • Tailor your studies to meet your personal interests or professional aspirations.
  • Include professional development modules or industry-endorsed microcredentials in your study.
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2-3 years part-time study
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

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. There are two routes through this qualification.

Route 1: You can study 180 credits and specialise within one of the following broadly related study areas:

  • Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)
  • Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
  • Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)

Route 2: You can choose to study a minimum of 120 credits within one study area (designated as your area of specialism for the masters) and take up to 60 credits from any other study area, including:

  • Further professional development options (Group 5)

Some restrictions or pre-requisite study may apply to certain modules or microcredentials. You should refer to the individual module/microcredential descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared to study.

MA/MSc Open Study Plan

As you’ll select from the modules and microcredentials listed below we’ve created a Study Plan to help you choose the route that best suits your professional needs or personal interests within the required time limit. The start and presentation dates of modules and microcredentials vary.

See 'Building your MA/MSc Open' below for more guidance, or contact an adviser to discuss your choices.

Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)

Modules Credits Next start
MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802)

This module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting through practical writing, reading and research activities.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
MA Art History part 1 (A843)

This first part of the MA will teach you the research methodologies and theoretical concepts of Art History.  

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025 FINAL
MA Philosophy part 1 (A853)

This module introduces you to graduate-level philosophy through studying the beauty of nature; a classic text – Plato’s Meno; the nature of consciousness; and issues around global justice. 
 

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868)

You'll explore an interdisciplinary and changing field, discover new materials, and develop original ways of studying ancient evidence. 

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
MA History part 1 (A883)

Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. 

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
MA Music part 1 (A890)

This module provides a solid foundation for postgraduate and professional academic study in Music, allowing you to specialise in almost any area you choose.

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
MA English Literature part 1 (A893)

You will be introduced to the study of literature ‘in the world’ across three broad themes: ‘the Popular’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘the Global’.

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
Introduction to translation theory and practice (L801)

This module explores different approaches to translation and you will develop an understanding of the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of translation.

See full description

Register
60 01 Feb 2025
Core concepts in linguistics (L804)

This module introduces you to the foundations of linguistic study with a focus on real-world examples where language plays a critical role.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A815, A825, A840, A850, A860, A863, A870 and A873.

Please be aware that the following modules represent foundation modules within the same subject area: A815/A893 (English/English Literature) and A825/A883 (History), A840/A843 (Art History), A850/A853 (Philosophy), A860/A863 (Classical Studies), A870/A873 (Music). Only one foundation module from each of the module pairs listed here can be counted towards this qualification.

Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)

Modules Credits Next start
Children and young people's worlds (E808)

This module provides a broad theoretical overview of some of the key contemporary issues in the global study of childhood and youth.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
Learning and teaching: educating the next generation (EE830)

This masters module will challenge you to think about what purposes of education could have and how education can be made fit for the future.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
Educational leadership: concepts, change and challenges (EE841)

Explore educational leadership and management concepts, change, and challenges in local and global contexts.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
Equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice (EE844)

This module introduces contemporary issues in equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice, including disability, gender, poverty and race.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880)

This module will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), teaching and training.

See full description

Register
60 01 Feb 2025
Introduction to mental health science (S826)

This online module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression and develops postgraduate study skills.

See full description

Register
60 25 Jan 2025
Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)

This module aims to equip you with critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E805, E807, E854, E855, E891, EE811, EE814, EE817, ED841, ET821, H800, H810, H817, K803, K827 and ME825.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)

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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)

M820 Calculus of Variations and Advanced Calculus covers functionals, Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, First-integral, Noether’s Theorem, Second variation/Jacobi equation and Sturm–Liouville systems.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Analytic number theory 1 (M823)

This entry-level pure mathematics module introduces several concepts from number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions and their averages, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Advanced mathematical methods (M833)

This module uses the Maple computing language to teach: perturbation expansions, accelerated convergence, Padé approximations, asymptotic expansions, eigenvalue problems, and Green’s functions.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Fractal geometry  (M835)

This module deals with the geometry of fractals, sets that are often very beautiful and contain copies of themselves at many different scales.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Coding theory (M836)

This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures, with associated encoding/decoding procedures and applicability, concluding with elements of cryptography.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Space science (S818)

This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions.

See full description

Register
60 25 Jan 2025
Environmental science challenges (S831)
An opportunity to learn how to help address environmental problems whilst developing core skills directly relevant to employability and good citizenship.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880)

This postgraduate module teaches the tools of advanced quantum and statistical mechanics of matter, illustrated using atoms, molecules and exotic states.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T808)

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Manufacture, materials design (T805)

Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.

See full description

Register
30 01 May 2025
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 2025
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)

This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Making environmental decisions (T891)

This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025 FINAL
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)

This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.

See full description

Register
30 01 May 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M828, S807, S808, S825, T804, T824, T825, T863, T881 and T884.

Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)

Modules Credits Next start
The role of the human resource professional (B810)

This module introduces the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Creating evidence-based value in people management (B812)

This module explores evidence-based approaches to people management and will develop your ability to evaluate and apply evidence to people management decisions and policies.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Employment relations and employee engagement (B813)
Examine how employment relations and practices operate within changing economic, political and social contexts and at various levels.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
Learning and development at work (B814)

This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815)

This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and investments, providing a basis for developing specialist financial expertise.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Financial strategy and governance (B816)
Study the theoretical and analytical knowledge required to inform financial strategy and governance decisions within an organisation.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
Research methods for finance (B817)

This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to understanding and planning empirical research in finance.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025
Derivatives and risk management (B819)

This module explores financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and how they are managed by using derivatives like futures, swaps and options.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
MA International relations part 1 (D818)

This module explores key dilemmas of interest to international relations, including international divisions, rising powers, security and global challenges, democratic crisis, and global ethical dilemmas.

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
Exploring legal meaning (W820)

This module looks at different legal research methods, including doctrinal, historical, comperative, socio-legal, critical, and feminist and transnational, to see how they can be used to create legal meaning and explore the place and meaning of law in the modern world.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2025 FINAL

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B860, B861, B863, B865, B866, B867, W821 and W822.

Further professional development module options (Group 5)

If you study Route 2, you can choose up to 60 credits from the following modules and microcredential options to complete the 180 credits needed for your MA/MSc Open.

Modules Credits Next start
Investment and portfolio management (B818)

This module explores the main participants and their objectives in the major investment markets. Topics include bonds, equities, derivatives, portfolio optimisation, performance measurement, ethical investment, taxation, and behavioural biases.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
Derivatives and risk management (B819)

This module explores financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and how they are managed by using derivatives like futures, swaps and options.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025
Sustainable creative management (BB842)

This module explores creative, innovative and sustainable ways of developing and managing organisations and offers practical approaches for developing yourself, your team and your organisation.

See full description

Register
15 03 May 2025
Supply chain management (BB849)

This module provides an analysis of important concepts and practices in supply chain management, taking into account issues such as globalisation, sustainability and risk management.

See full description

Register
15 03 May 2025
Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)

This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship and different forms of entrepreneurial practice.

See full description

Register
15 01 Nov 2025
Leadership and management of public services (BB852)

In this module, you’ll study the many dimensions of managing public services, which may be public, private for-profit or not-for profit.

See full description

Register
15 03 May 2025
Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)

This module will help you become a knowledge leader by demonstrating that you’re ahead of current organisational and business challenges.

See full description

Register
15 01 Nov 2025
Understanding global development (DD870)

This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Technology and 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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Advance your independent learning (YXM830)
This innovative module allows you to take a topic of your choosing and focus on it in depth while developing your postgraduate study skills.

See full description

Register
30 04 Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules D890, U810.

Further professional development microcredential options (Group 5)

Microcredentials are 10–12 week professional development courses. For more information on what you'll study on individual microcredentials, please visit Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications and select your chosen course under the MA/MSc Open (F81).
 
Management of uncertainty: leadership, decisions and action (BZVM801) PLANNED 15  10 Mar 2025
Management of change: organisation development and design (BZVM802) PLANNED 15 10 Mar 2025
Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses (HZVM882) NEW

Develop the skills you need to evaluate the success of your online teaching and enhance your students’ remote learning experience.

See full description

15 10 Mar 2025
Agile leadership and management (TZVM850)

Develop agile leadership skills to support your professional development and lead highly engaged teams.

See full description

15 No current presentation

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, BZFM801, BZFM802, EZFM802, EZFM803, KZFM801, H809, H818, H819, HZFM881, T835, T840, T846, T848, T862, T867, T876, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU870, TU871, TU872 and U810.

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.

Excluded combinations

An excluded combination means some pairs or groups of modules cannot be counted towards the same qualification because their content overlaps. If you’re considering taking a module in a similar area to one you have already completed as a part of a qualification, you need to find out if they are an excluded combination. Please refer to the module descriptions or speak to an adviser if you require further information or advice about excluded combinations.

Building your MA/MSc Open

The MA/MSc Open gives you the freedom to tailor your qualification to your needs. Our Study Plan can help you identify which modules/microcredentials you want to study and the order you need to study them.

You can change your choices at any point during your studies. As we regularly review the curriculum, the availability of these courses is subject to change, so check the final presentation dates of the modules or microcredentials before planning out your qualification.

Here are a few examples of how you could build your MA/MSc Open. You can also talk over your choices with an adviser.

Route 1

This example shows how you could study 180 credits specialising within one broad study area by choosing all modules from one subject group.

180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language

Modules Credits Next start
MA History part 1 (A883)

Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. 

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025
MA English Literature part 1 (A893)

You will be introduced to the study of literature ‘in the world’ across three broad themes: ‘the Popular’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘the Global’.

See full description

Register
90 06 Sep 2025


Route 2 – Example 1

This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and complete your degree with up to 60 credits from another study area or from the Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.

120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language

Modules Credits Next start
MA Creative writing  (A802)

This module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting through practical writing, reading and research activities.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
MA Philosophy part 1 (A853)

This module introduces you to graduate-level philosophy through studying the beauty of nature; a classic text – Plato’s Meno; the nature of consciousness; and issues around global justice. 
 

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025

Plus 60 credits from Group 2 - Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare

Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures1 (H880)

This module will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), teaching and training.

See full description

Register
60 01 Feb 2025


Route 2 – Example 2

This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and complete your degree with 60 credits drawn from two other study areas or from the Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.

120 credits from Group 3 – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025

Plus 30 credits from Group 4 – Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law

Learning and development at work  (B814)

This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.

See full description

Register
30 03 May 2025

Plus 30 credits from Group 5 – Further professional development

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 2025

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
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules/microcredentials you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website


On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you either our Master of Arts Open or Master of Science Open. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA Open (Open) or MSc Open (Open) after your name.

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. 


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 19 March 2024.

Typically, you will need a bachelors degree or equivalent qualification relevant to your intended specialist area of study, i.e. Art, Humanities and Languages (Study Area 1), Education, Psychology and Health Sciences (Study Area 2), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Study Area 3) and Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Study Area 4). 

If you have other study or experience that you believe equips you to take this qualification, you can still apply, but you must supply evidence of your study or experience. Your case will be referred to the Programme Admissions Team. Depending on your previous qualifications or experience, some background study may be necessary before registering for this qualification or its constituent modules and microcredentials. If your bachelors degree is not in a subject relevant to your intended area of specialisation for this masters degree, we would, for example, expect you to have completed at least 60 credits of study at FHEQ level 6 or equivalent that is relevant to your chosen specialist area, before you register for this qualification. For further advice, please contact us.

Any individual module or microcredential entry requirements (including prescribed study order, pre-requisite study or access to a particular work setting etc.) will need to be met separately, where specified. Please refer to individual module/microcredential descriptions to ensure that you meet the entry requirements for studying that course.

You will be required to present an outline of your proposed plan of study and your educational and career objectives. If your module/microcredential choices and objectives are better suited to specialised study within a defined area, we may recommend a relevant named degree programme.

You will need good computing skills and a level of proficiency in the English language that is adequate for study at postgraduate level. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. You can assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies by visiting the IELTS website.

If you are new to postgraduate study, we would strongly recommend that you complete the free Badged Open Course, Succeeding in postgraduate studyin advance of your course start date. This free course (24 hours of study across eight sessions) will introduce you to the nature of masters level study and offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level. You will also find this course helpful if you are re-engaging with postgraduate study after a period of absence from academic study.

How long it takes

Most students study the MA/MSc Open part-time, completing 60 credits a year over three years. Although it may be possible to complete this qualification in less than three years, we recommend that you take no more than 90 credits a year due to the demands that studying the degree will make on you.

Module and microcredential start dates do vary, and depending on your study choices, the minimum time taken to complete the qualification may be more than three years. Study durations will also vary, and you can expect to study for different lengths of time depending on the module or microcredential:

  • Typical 15-credit postgraduate microcredential requires 13 study hours over 13 weeks.
  • Typical 30-credit module typically requires 300 study hours (8-10 hours per week of study) over up to 32 weeks.
  • Typical 60-credit module typically requires 600 hours of study (16–20 hours per week of study) over up to 32 weeks.

You must complete the MA/MSc Open within eight years.

Career relevance

This multidisciplinary programme may support a variety of career prospects in both public and private sectors, including (but not limited to) education, science, humanities, business, healthcare, journalism, and public relations. However, given that your study would be self-designed, the possibilities will depend on your particular choices. The degree can be used to inform or strengthen your current employment or professional practice. Alternatively, it could prepare you for many different areas, so if you are thinking of boosting your current prospects or intending to move into a new area, it would be important that you design a programme that suits your specific career needs.

This programme is intended for students with broader interests in several fields or for those whose career goals do not match fully with a single academic area or named degree. It is not a substitute for specialised training concentrating on a single area but recognises that career aspirations and interests can extend across traditional boundaries and specialisations and supports students seeking a qualification offering a breadth of skills and knowledge crossing traditional boundaries. 86% of graduate employers are interested in abilities rather than specific subjects studied, and the MA/MSc Open is an ideal way to showcase your abilities across a broad range of skills.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

Request your prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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