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
You'll choose modules and microcredentials from the lists below.
The length and start dates of modules and Microcredentials may also vary, so we’ve created a Study Plan to help you map your route through the MA/MSc Open. The Study Plan will help you choose the route that best suits your professional needs or personal interests within the required time limit.
We’re here to help if you need it; speak to an adviser to discuss your choices, or see Building your MA/MSc Open for more details.
Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (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: 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
|
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 futures1 (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 |
03 Feb 2024 |
- 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 |
27 Jan 2024 |
- Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
This online 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
|
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 (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 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 2024 |
- 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 2024 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
27 Jan 2024 |
- Environmental science challenges (S831) NEW
- An opportunity to learn how to help address environmental problems whilst developing core skills directly relevant to employability and good citizenship.
See full description
|
30 |
No current presentation |
- 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 2023 FINAL |
- 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 2024 |
- 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 |
- 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 2023 |
- 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 2023 |
- 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 2024 |
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 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- Creating evidence-based value in people management (B812) NEW
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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- Employment relations and employee engagement (B813) NEW
- Examine how employment relations and practices operate within changing economic, political and social contexts and at various levels.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 May 2024 |
- Learning and development at work (B814) NEW
This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
04 May 2024 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- 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 |
04 May 2024 |
- Research methods for finance (B817) NEW
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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- Derivatives and risk management (B819) NEW
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 |
04 May 2024 |
- 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 |
07 Sep 2024 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- 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 |
04 May 2024 FINAL |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B860, B861, B863, B865 and B866.
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 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- 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 |
04 May 2024 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 |
- Global development in practice (D890)
Engage with complex and contested processes, policies and practices involving global development and gain a clearer understanding of the role of development manager.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- 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
|
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 2024 |
- 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 2023 |
- 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 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 2024 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
04 Nov 2023 FINAL |
- 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 |
Further professional development microcredential options (Group 5)
Microcredentials are 10–12 week professional development courses presented on FutureLearn. 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 (BZFM801) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Management of change: organisation development and design (BZFM802) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Mentoring and coaching in professional learning (EZFM802) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Developing Educational leadership in practice (EZFM803) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Online teaching: creating courses for adult learners1 (HZFM881) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses (HZFM882) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Mental health: working with children and young people (KZFM801) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Agile leadership and management (TZFM850) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, H809, H818, H819, T835, T840, T846, T848, T862, T867, T876, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU870, TU871 and TU872.
1Online teaching: creating courses for adult learners (HZFM881) and Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880) in Group 2 are an excluded combination. You may count credit from either, but not both, towards your MA/MSc Open.
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 and adjust your qualification to your needs. Our MA/MSc Study Plan can help you plan and identify which modules/microcredentials you want to study and in what order you will need to study them.
If you wish to change your chosen modules/microcredentials at any point during your studies, this will be possible if the modules used to complete your qualification are still available as part of the MA/MSc Open.
The modules and microcredentials included on this page are all currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the availability of these courses is subject to change. Make sure that you check the final presentation dates of your intended modules or microcredentials before planning out your qualification.
We’ve put together a few examples of the different routes you could use build your MA/MSc Open below, but further support and advice is available. If you would like to talk over your choices, please speak to an adviser.
Route 1
The example below shows how you could study 180 credits specialising within one broad study area by choosing all modules from one subject group, such as Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1).
180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Route 2 – Example 1
This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area, such as Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1), and then complete your degree with up to 60 credits from another subject area, such as Education, psychology, health science and healthcare (Group 2).
120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- MA Creative writing (A802)
This online module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting using practical writing, reading and research activities.
See full description
|
60 |
No current presentation |
- 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
|
60 |
No current presentation |
Plus 60 credits from Group 2 - Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Route 2 – Example 2
This shows how you can study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area, such as Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2), and study up to 60 credits from modules and/or microcredentials from Further professional development (Group 5).
120 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Plus 60 credits from Group 5 – Further professional development
Mentoring and coaching in professional learning2 (EZFM802) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
Mental health: working with children and young people2 (KZFM801) |
15 |
09 Oct 2023 |
- 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 |
2Microcredential. These are 10–12 week professional development courses presented on FutureLearn. Visit Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications and select your chosen course under the MA/MSc Open (F81) for more detail. |
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.