England.  Change location

Computing and IT courses

As well as being fundamental to how we live, work and play, computing and IT is a rapidly growing employment sector. And the UK is a world leader in producing talented graduates. Our dynamic teaching and leading-edge research will help you whether you’re looking to upgrade your skills and understanding or advance your career.

Student examining a circuit board

Computing and ITDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years

Degrees in Computing and IT

Computing and ITDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years

Diplomas in Computing and IT

Computing and ITCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Certificates in Computing and IT

Why study Computing and IT with The Open University?

Our practical qualifications allow you to follow study routes and choose modules that fit your interests and match your career goals. Our pioneering research, ranging from cyber security to virtual reality applications, means the latest technological developments inform our teaching.

Studying computing and IT with us could allow you to:

  • Achieve a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
  • Undertake Cisco networking and DevNet modules, ensuring invaluable entry accreditation for the network engineering profession.
  • Study modules developed with well-known industry partners, providing valuable real-world experience.

Careers in Computing and IT

Employers tell us they highly value Open University computing and IT students and graduates for their ambition, time management and organisational skills. Your Open University IT qualification could be your springboard for vocational training, postgraduate study or roles in career areas such as:

  • artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • cyber security
  • business intelligence and analytics
  • database and systems management
  • programming, software, web or application development
  • system or application analysis.

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Computing and IT modules

All Computing and IT courses

Browse all the Computing and IT courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Computing and IT courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Computing and IT courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Computing and IT courses