The computing and IT project

The computing and IT project (TM470) enables you to explore computing, information and communications technologies in substantial depth and it is the compulsory final module for our computing and IT qualifications. It offers you practical experience of independent learning and reflective practice. You'll apply advanced principles and techniques to produce a solution to a problem which you have defined and write up your experience and findings in a substantial report. You'll also be responsible for choosing your own topic, carrying out the project and writing it up, with the help of a supervisor to advise and guide you.

Course facts
About this course:
Course code TM470
Credits 30
OU Level 3
SCQF level 10
FHEQ level 6
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
No residential school

What you will study

You will gain skills and experience in formulating and completing an individual project of your choice in any area of computing and IT that you have studied at this level. Your tutor will advise and guide you, but you will be expected to produce your work independently, without close supervision. The emphasis is on you being a reflective practitioner, developing not only the technical aspects of your project but also justifying your approach and reviewing and thinking about what you have learnt. You'll be expected to make use of the study materials and software associated with the OU level 3 modules you have previously studied.

The main elements of your project will be:

  • choosing a project topic – the topic must be based on the OU level 3 modules you have studied and we will need to know which area you want to work in before the module starts in order to assign you a tutor
  • getting information and finding out about developments in your topic area
  • producing a detailed proposal and project plan – this will include choosing suitable methods, setting realistic goals and deciding what resources you will need
  • carrying out the project itself – it could take many forms – a software system, a critical analysis and report, or an investigation and set of recommendations are just a few examples
  • writing up and evaluating the project – this will include a reflective evaluation of your approach to the project and its completion.

There are guidance notes and resources but no teaching materials associated with the module. You will draw on a range of sources (technical papers, books, manufacturers' literature, and the internet) to investigate your topic. Your report should demonstrate your ability to assess your own developments or other topics you have investigated, using appropriate methods to measure and compare them.

Throughout your project you will be set tasks through tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), which will help you to plan and progress the various phases of the project. You will also submit a final project report.

Entry

This is designed to be the final module of your qualification as you will make use of the study materials and software associated with the OU level 3 modules you have previously studied or are studying.

Normally, the minimum requirement to register for this project module is that you have commenced your study of one of the following OU level 3 computing and IT modules:

  • Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)
  • Communications technology (TM355)
  • Data management and analysis (TM351)
  • Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)
  • Information security (TM311)
  • IT systems: planning for success (TM353)
  • Software engineering (TM354)
  • Systems penetration testing (TM359)
  • Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)
  • or have completed one of the discontinued modules M359, M362, M363, M364, M366, T320, T324 or T325.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Preparatory work

You will need to inform us of your chosen project area by completing and returning a form available from the website. We will provide details of how to access the website and download the form after you register for the module.

You also need to think about a topic for your project. You can view some previous project titles on the website. There will be an online forum where you can discuss your choice of topic with an experienced tutor. It will also help if you refresh your knowledge of the OU level 3 modules on which you are going to base your project.

Study materials

What's included

You'll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • podcasts
  • assessment details and submission section
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

Computing requirements

You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Monterey or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.

It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that's for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

Mode of study

All of this project module's guidance notes and resources are online. There are no teaching materials. Guidance notes and resources are composed of pages of text and include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. You will draw on a range of sources (technical papers, books, manufacturers' literature, and the internet) to investigate your topic. You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a computer and the internet.

Tuition strategy

You will also be responsible for choosing your own topic, carrying out the project and writing it up, with the help of a supervisor to advise and guide you.

Practical work

The amount of online practical work you will undertake depends entirely on your choice of project.

Finding information

You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online that you will use in your project. These resources depend entirely on your choice of project.

Assessment

This module has three Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which must be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system and an End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) submitted online.

Feedback

You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance and use this feedback to carry on with your project. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment or to write the final report, the EMA.

Schedule

All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track.

Future availability

The computing and IT project (TM470) starts twice a year – in January/February and March/April1.

This page describes the module that will start in February 2024 and March 2024.

We expect it to start for the last time in April 2029.

1​ You'll have less time to complete TM470 if you start in March/April (instead of January/February), as both starts finish at the same time – keep this in mind when planning your study.

This course is expected to start for the last time in April 2029.