StudyQA — Master: Computing — Open University (Page 307)

Description Contents Requirements

With the ability to carry out an independent research-based project, backed up with a wide range of industry relevant modules, the MSc in Computing allows you to showcase your abilities. You start by studying taught modules, either taking a flexible route so you can choose from our wide choice of industry relevant modules or following a more focused route in a specialist area. You then complete the MSc with a research module which enables you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the computing field. This provides you with an excellent platform for further research studies.

Designed for those with a bachelors degree in computing or a related discipline, or who have extensive industrial experience in this area, this qualification brings together theory and practice and allows you to draw on your own background and experience. With the aim of developing a professional approach to the study and application of computing this qualification incorporates study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and continuing professional development.

This MSc Computing also offers you the opportunity to specialise either in information security and forensics, or in software engineering. The title of your qualification will reflect this: MSc in Computing (Software Engineering) or MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics). Whichever study route you choose, you begin by studying a taught module component, followed by a research project. For the specialist routes you are required to study a project topic in the specialist area.

The taught modules component of the flexible route allows you to choose four 30-credit modules from our computing and related curriculum. Designed to meet the varied requirements of industry, this route allows you to choose the relevant modules for your specific career needs.

If you follow either of the specialist routes you must complete two compulsory modules, and two optional modules from the remaining computing and related curriculum. The compulsory modules are intended to give you in-depth, specialist knowledge in these areas, while the optional modules allow you to focus on additional knowledge and skills for your chosen career.

You will complete the MSc with a project. If you are interested in a more business-oriented qualification, you can take the 30-credit module The MSc professional project (T847), and an additional 30-credit taught module. If you are looking for a more in-depth research oriented qualification, you should take the 60-credit module Research project (T802).

Career impact

The modules in the postgraduate computing programme are for professional computer specialists, engineers, technical managers and scientists who need to update their skills and knowledge in specific areas, and gain recognised qualifications to develop their careers. They have been developed to combine theoretical and practical aspects of computing, to enable you to become an effective professional in the computing industry.

In addition they aim to encourage you, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.

Professional body recognition

We design our computing degrees to meet the accreditation requirements of BCS the Chartered Institute for IT. Our postgraduate degrees have been accorded the highest level of recognition in the last two accreditation cycles, and we are now seeking re-accreditation for the current MSc qualifications.

Modulles:

For this 180-credit masters degree you require: At least 60 credits from the following modules:

Information security (M811) NEW
Project management (M815) NEW
Software development (M813) NEW
Digital forensics (M812) NEW
Software engineering (M814) NEW
Data management (M816) planned for November 2014

60 credits from the following optional modules:

Advanced routing - CCNP 1 (T824)
Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Network Security (T828)
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
Managing technological innovation (TU811)

And 60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route below:

Advanced routing - CCNP 1 (T824)
Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Managing technological innovation (T848)
Network Security (T828)
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
Managing technological innovation (TU811)

And 60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route below:

Research project (T802)

To study for this masters course you must hold a bachelors degree from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at equivalent level. You will also need to be proficient in English, to an IELTS standard of 6.0. If you are unsure you will be able to take a free English test as part of the registration process. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.