Computing and IT (Honours)

Computing and IT skills have become fundamental to the way we live, work, socialise and play; they can open up the world of technology and an array of exciting career opportunities. This Computing and IT (Honours) degree at The Open University will give you a sound grasp of the principles of hardware-based, software-based, or systems-based technologies, and the ability to apply your knowledge and skills in a broad range of industries and organisations.

Key features of the course

– Offers a choice of three specialist routes or a broad-based option
– Presents focus options within the broad-based route
– Enables you to choose from routes and modules to meet your particular needs and interests
– Quality assured by the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQANIE)
Skills for career development

This degree course is useful if you already work, or would like to work, in computing and IT systems. It will equip you with a sound grasp of hardware, software, and systems-based technologies. Depending on your choice of modules, the knowledge and skills you pick up will prepare you for employment in software engineering, communications, networks or web technologies. The course also gives you opportunities to develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, numeracy, and problem solving.

Career relevance

Research by e-Skills UK has shown that IT and telecommunications now employs 1 in 20 of the UK workforce. It also suggests the digital sector will need nearly 300,000 new recruits by 2020 to meet the demand for skills in this area.

Computing and IT graduates are in demand by providers (such as software houses) and user organisations alike. The extensive range of organisations employing computing and IT graduates includes retail, financial services, leisure and gaming, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare.

Growth areas and areas of high demand include cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.