Computing and IT skills have become fundamental to the way we live, work, socialise and play. This degree course opens up the world of technology and an array of exciting careers in a wide range of sectors – from finance, government, health, education and the 'Third Sector', to business, gaming and commerce. You may want to become a confident user and manager of information technologies; to administer and manage network or database systems; or to develop new software solutions to meet specific market or organisational needs. The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT offers a variety of pathways, giving you the opportunity to specialise in computer science, digital technologies, software development, solutions development or networking.
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Code | Q62 |
| Made up of | 360 credits |
| Entry Requirements |
There are no formal entry requirements to study this degree. |
This degree course is relevant if you already work, or would like to work, with computing and IT systems and are looking for a qualification that gives you a sound grasp of the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies – along with an ability to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations. Depending on your choice of modules, you'll gain a good preparation for employment in software engineering, communications, networks or web technologies.
Designing, developing and deploying IT systems are not solitary activities: they require outstanding teamwork and 'people management' skills, along with knowledge of how businesses and organisations operate. The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT will give you the opportunity to gain experience of working in a team to tackle an appropriate development task. You'll also undertake a project to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial piece of work on a topic you've selected.
You'll gain a range of highly valued transferable skills in:
There's more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU's Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for this qualification.
If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete this qualification. This may also mean that the next start date and the maximum time limit for this qualification are different to those shown above.
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computing and IT degree.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from those modules above Level 1. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3 and will include the grade you achieve in the 30-credit project module whether or not it is among your best grades at that level.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate. However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer developments and the way we teach.