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 and Health Science (Group 2)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
- Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
Route 2: You can choose to study 120 credits, specialising within one study area (as above) and take up to 60 credits from any other study area, including:
- Further professional development module options (Group 5)
Some restrictions or pre-requisites may apply to certain modules within the programme. You should refer to individual module entry requirements and module descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared before your register for this qualification.
To help you plan your studies on this qualification we strongly advise that you use this Study Plan to map a route through the MA/MSc Open that best suits your educational and career objectives within the required time limit. The purpose of the Study Plan is for you to identify which modules you want to study and when they will be studied. The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time. Before planning your qualification, make sure that you check the final presentation dates of your intended modules.
If you wish to change your chosen modules at any point during your studies, this will be possible providing the modules used to complete your qualification are still included in either Route 1 or Route 2, as described in the Study Plan. Further support and advice is available to help you make an informed decision about your education and future career. If you have any queries, please speak to an adviser.
Arts, Humanities, Music and Language module options (Group 1)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A815, A825, A840, A850, A860, and A870.
Please be aware that the following modules represent foundation modules within the same subject area: 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 and Health Science module options (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
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Educational leadership: agency, professional learning and change (EE811)
This module explores aspects of educational leadership and management, linking theory and practice. The focus is on models of leadership, leading professional development and management of change. See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Addressing inequality and difference in educational practice (EE814)
This module explores issues of equality within the professional practice setting by way of broad themes which apply internationally – for example, ethnicity, disability, religion and gender.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Applied linguistics and English Language (EE817)
This module explores how the English language works in different professional contexts, and how knowledge about language can illuminate aspects of the social world. See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Learning and teaching: educating the next generation (EE830)
This masters module will challenge you to think through the purposes of education and how it can be made fit for the future.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880)
This module, presented on FutureLearn, will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning, teaching and training.
See full description Register
|
60 |
07 Feb 2022 |
- 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 |
29 Jan 2022 |
- Non-medical independent and supplementary prescribing (K803)
This module enables you to gain the knowledge and skills required for safe, appropriate and effective prescribing practice and become an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber. See full description
|
60 |
12 Feb 2022 |
- Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
This online module aims to equip you with a range of critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E805, E807,E854, E855, E891, ED841, ET821, H800, H810, H817, K827 and ME825.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics module options (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 2021 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2021 |
- 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
|
30 |
No current presentation |
- 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
|
30 |
No current presentation |
- 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
|
30 |
No current presentation |
- 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
|
30 |
No current presentation |
- 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 |
29 Jan 2022 |
- Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)
T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2021 |
- 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 2021 |
- Making environmental decisions (T891)
T891 ‘Making Environmental Decisions’ 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 2021 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M828, S807, S808, S825, T824, T825, T863, T881 and T884.
Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Introduction to corporate finance (B858)
This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and is the basis for developing specialist financial expertise.
See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 FINAL |
- Financial strategy: valuation, governance and ethics (B859)
This module provides the theoretical and analytical knowledge required in making financial policy decisions, exploring issues such as ethics and introducing Islamic finance.
See full description Register
|
30 |
07 May 2022 FINAL |
- Research methods for finance (B860)
This module introduces the principles of research, its process, philosophy, and methodology; and you'll develop competences in applying statistical and econometric techniques to problems in finance. See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- The human resource professional (B863)
This module provides an introduction to the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 FINAL |
- Employment relations and employee engagement (B866)
This module explores employment relations strategies in national and international contexts and the associated impacts on employee engagement, as well as the management of change, diversity and conflict. See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Workplace learning and coaching and mentoring (B867)
This module explores learning and talent development at strategic and operational levels and provides an opportunity to develop coaching and mentoring skills.
See full description Register
|
30 |
07 May 2022 |
- Exploring legal meaning (W820)
This module looks at different legal research methods, including doctrinal, socio-legal and comparative, to see how they can be used to explore the place and meaning of law in the modern world.
See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Exploring the boundaries of international law (W821)
This module examines the complexities of twenty-first century international law by exploring the evolving role and function of international law in the modern world.
See full description Register
|
30 |
07 May 2022 |
- Business, human rights law and corporate social responsibility (W822)
This module examines the nature of corporate commitment to principles of corporate social responsibility in different contexts and its inter-relationship with human rights law.
See full description Register
|
30 |
06 Nov 2021 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module B865
Further professional development module options (Group 5)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Investment and portfolio management (B861)
The module covers investment strategies for bonds, equities, the use of derivatives in managing risk, measuring portfolio performance, portfolio optimisation and asset allocation. See full description Register
|
30 |
07 May 2022 |
- Derivatives and risk management (B862)
This module introduces key tools such as derivatives and risk mapping and provides you with an understanding of how the various financial and non-financial risks faced by organisations can be managed. See full description Register
|
30 |
07 May 2022 |
- 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 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Supply chain management (BB849)
This module provides 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 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)
This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship as well as different forms of entrepreneurial practice.
See full description Register
|
15 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Leadership and management of public services (BB852)
In this elective 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 |
07 May 2022 |
- Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853) NEW
This module will help you become a knowledge leader within your organisation by demonstrating that you’re ahead of current organisational and business challenges.
See full description Register
|
15 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Global development in practice (D890)
Discover the conceptual framework for analysing the contexts in which development takes place and development management practice.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- Understanding global development (DD870)
This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges. See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 Nov 2021 |
- Managing for sustainability (T867)
This module will increase your understanding of delivering and supporting sustainability management in your workplace or support your personal interest in this subject.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2022 FINAL |
- 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 Nov 2021 |
- 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 2022 |
- Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
This module is about effecting whole-system change, equipping you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- Continuing professional development 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 Nov 2021 |
- 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
|
30 |
No current presentation |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, H809, H818, H819, T835, T840, T846, T848, T862, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU870, TU871 and TU872.
EXAMPLE ROUTES THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION
The following example routes through the qualification and corresponding (hypothetical) student ‘profiles’ are provided here for guidance.
Student A
38-year old Museum Curator who has a bachelors degree in Fine Art and is taking this route through the qualification to deepen their historical understanding, increase their application of knowledge in their professional environment, and to develop their career prospects.
180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Student B
45-year old Deputy Head Teacher who holds a bachelors degree in History and has ten years of professional teaching experience at a secondary school, whose educational aims, linked to career development, are to develop their understanding of children and youth, online education and leadership skills.
180 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology and Health Science
Student C
54-year old Journalist who holds a bachelors degree in English and Politics with more than 25 years of professional experience, who is taking this route through the qualification for career and personal development.
120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802)
This online module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting, using practical writing, reading and research activities. See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- MA Classical Studies part 1 (A863)
This module tackles the question, ‘How do we know what we know’ about ancient Greece and Rome by investigating classical studies as a multidisciplinary field.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options
Student D
32-year old Human Resource Manager who holds a bachelors degree in Psychology, whose educational aims are to deepen their level of subject knowledge, academic skills and educational awareness to support and develop their professional career.
120 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology and Health Science
Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options
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 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.