POSTGRADUATE COURSES - YOUR 2020/2021 PROSPECTUS - The Open University
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YOUR 2020/2021 POSTGRADUATE COURSES PROSPECTUS
FREE YOUR AMBITION
EXPLORE THE OU Achieve your goals with The Open University 3 Five reasons why you should choose us 4 Take your study even higher 5 What you can study 6 Learn in a way that suits you 7 How you build your qualification 8 How long your qualification will take 9 Fees and funding 10 Boost your career prospects 11 Our research – creating your curriculum 12 FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE Postgraduate courses 14 BEFORE YOU GO Other useful information 36 Get in touch BACK COVER
2
Whatever your ambition –
whether you’re looking to
EXPLORE THE OU
explore your full potential
or take your career to the
next level – we’re here to
help make it happen.
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
We’re pioneers in distance learning. Since we
were founded, we’ve helped more than two 78%
of FTSE 100
million people realise their potential. Our unique companies have
approach to learning means you don’t have to put sponsored employees
your life on hold to get the qualification you want. on OU courses
We will: You can expect:
‒ help you get a qualification ‒ materials that are designed
to suit you and your goals with you in mind
‒ provide you with the ‒ continuous innovation –
teaching and learning we’ve been leading the way
resources you’ll need in distance learning for over
50 years, ensuring education
‒ offer a flexible learning
is accessible, whatever
experience based around
your circumstances
you and your life
‒ access to world-class resources,
‒ use technology and teaching
whenever you need them
methods that enhance your
study experience ‒ qualifications that are respected
by employers the world over.
‒ be there to support you
every step of the way.
3
FIVE REASONS
WHY YOU
SHOULD
1.
We’re open to you.
CHOOSE US We make learning
available to all, regardless
of background, age or
additional learning needs.
2.
You can study
3.
We guarantee
around your existing outstanding value
commitments. We’re and a high-quality
experts in helping education at a
people fit their studies competitive price.
around their busy lives.
4.
Our qualifications are
5.
You get more than
vocationally focused, a highly respected
ensuring you can put qualification. You’ll be
what you learn into able to show you’re
practice immediately. dedicated and committed
– personal qualities that are
valued in the workplace.
4
EXPLORE THE OU
TAKE YOUR
STUDY EVEN HIGHER
It’s great you’re looking into We’ll work around
you, wherever you are Have you studied
postgraduate study. You
You won’t have to before?
could become a specialist put your life on hold. If you’ve studied before at
in your field and open postgraduate level, you might
With The Open University,
doors to more senior roles. there’s no need to relocate be able to count it towards
or give up your day job. your OU qualification. This
Exploring a subject in can cut down the modules
That’s why thousands you’ll need to study, saving
greater depth can be of people choose us for you time and money.
life-changing, especially postgraduate study.
If you tell us what you’ve
when it’s with the OU. done, we’ll do the rest.
We’ll put everything into Go to openuniversity.co.uk/
helping you succeed. credit-transfer.
To anyone thinking about
doing an OU degree, my
advice is stop thinking
about it and do it, it
can be life changing.
Neil McIvor,
MSc in Mathematics
5
WHAT YOU CAN STUDY
Whatever inspires or Postgraduate certificate Entry requirements
Ideal for professional and
excites you, our tutors will career development, this is the
Typically, you’ll be expected
to have a degree. But you might
introduce you to world- first step towards a masters
have professional experience,
class research and ideas. degree as well as being a valuable
other qualifications or prior
qualification in its own right.
university-level study that’ll
You can study three types of help set you up for success.
postgraduate qualification: We’ll give you:
What matters is that you’re able to:
Masters degree ‒ the flexibility to fit study around
Study modules towards an your other commitments ‒ find and understand research
internationally respected material written for experts
‒ the opportunity to
qualification while gaining enhance your career ‒ critically analyse your findings
specialist academic,
professional or technical skills. ‒ freedom to follow your ‒ follow academic convention
passions to the next level. when presenting findings, ideas,
Postgraduate diploma bibliographies and references
Work towards a widely
recognised qualification. ‒ reflect on different theories and
A postgraduate diploma relate them to your own studies.
is equivalent to two-thirds Whatever course you
of a masters degree. decide on, you’ll need:
‒ a computer you have
regular access to
‒ internet access
‒ an appropriate level of proficiency
in English. (You can check your
English skills at openuniversity.
co.uk/englishlanguage.)
6
EXPLORE THE OU
LEARN IN A WAY
THAT SUITS YOU
You’ll have the flexibility Pioneering technology Do you have additional
study needs?
to fit study around the We’ve been using innovative
technology to connect with We’re committed to helping
other things going on our students since we first students with disabilities and
in your life, whatever started. Examples include our additional needs. We’ll give
they may be. online tutorials and module you the tools to help overcome
forums. We’ll make sure that obstacles that could stand in
you always have what you the way of your learning –
Distance learning need, and feel connected. whatever your needs may be.
with the OU
We’ve designed our learning Connect with other students Disabled Students’ Allowance
experience to combine flexibility (DSA) – UK residents only
You can use our module discussion
and regular contact. We’ll give you groups to talk about subjects, A DSA can help you with study
the help you need to learn in the course work or study methods. costs that result directly from your
best possible way. You’ll get regular disability or specific learning difficulty.
support from tutors and access to You can also connect with us
They’re not means-tested and can
all the materials and resources on social media or join one of
go towards specialist equipment
essential to your course. the many informal Facebook
(such as an adapted computer),
groups set up by students.
You’ll also have access to student non-medical study support (e.g.
support teams, who’ll be there to a dyslexia support worker) or other
Students association related expenses. You can also
help you on your learning journey.
You’ll become a member of our apply for help with study-related
active students association when travel costs that result directly
How you’ll be assessed
you register. You can help influence from your disability.
You could be assessed in University decisions, meet fellow
a variety of different ways For more information, go to
students and develop new skills.
depending on your choice of openuniversity.co.uk/disability
course. We use a combination Find out more at or call us on 0300 303 5303.
of written assignments, oral openuniversity.co.uk/ousa.
or practical assessments, Or join the conversation on
projects, examinations, Facebook.com/OUstudents
dissertations and portfolios. Twitter.com/OUstudents
Your assessments will occur Instagram.com/OUstudentslive.
at set points during your course.
What’s it like to study with The Open University?
To find out more about distance learning, the OU study
experience and how we’ll support you throughout your
studies, go to openuniversity.co.uk/learning.
7
HOW YOU BUILD
YOUR QUALIFICATION
You gain a postgraduate
qualification by building
60 credits at postgraduate level.
up a set number of credits.
Credits
‒ 60 credits to gain a postgraduate certificate
Postgraduate certificate
‒ 120 credits to gain a postgraduate diploma
‒ 180 credits to gain a masters degree.
You gain credits by successfully
completing modules.
A further 60 credits at postgraduate level
– total 120 credits.
Modules
‒ With each module you successfully
complete, you’ll earn a set number of credits.
‒ Modules are either compulsory Postgraduate diploma
or selected from a choice of options.
You choose the modules you
want to study, year by year.
Getting started A further 60 credits at postgraduate level
– total 180 credits.
‒ All you need to do is choose which
qualification you want to study and
register on a module that counts
towards that qualification.
Masters degree
For information on how long your
qualification will take – see opposite.
8EXPLORE THE OU
HOW LONG YOUR
QUALIFICATION WILL TAKE
Exactly how long Most of our students study part Remember, you may be able to
time, taking 60 credits a year. count previous postgraduate studies
it will take to get your The guide below gives you an towards your qualification. This
qualification depends idea of how long it will take you could save you time and money by
on which qualification to gain your qualification. reducing the number of modules
you need to study. To find out more,
you’re working towards go to openuniversity.co.uk/
and how many credits credit-transfer.
you study each year.
Part time | 60 credits a year | 16–20 study hours a week
Postgraduate certificate
(60 credits)
Postgraduate diploma1
(120 credits)
Masters degree1
(180 credits)
0 1 2 3
Years to complete
1
Some qualifications follow a different pattern of study.
For course-specific information, go to openuniversity.co.uk/pg and view your chosen qualification.
9FEES AND FUNDING
We offer great value for money, and we’ll always help
you find a way of paying that suits your circumstances.
You pay for postgraduate ‒ All eligible students will receive Get sponsored
qualifications module by a non-repayable grant of £1,000,
See whether your employer would
module. Our website shows the rising to a maximum of £6,885,
want to help you learn and develop.
total fee for each qualification. depending on household income.
It’s always worth asking.
‒ Loan repayments only start when
Funding – England you earn more than the income
You could be eligible for a threshold (currently, £21,000).
maintenance loan of up to £11,222 ‒ You’ll repay 6% of your income
from Student Finance England. over the threshold – so, for example,
if you earn £25,000, you’ll repay MORE ONLINE
To be eligible you must:
only £240 that year (6% of £4,000). Find out more about
‒ be under 60 years old That’s just £20 a month. fees and funding
‒ be resident in England You may be eligible for an Visit openuniversity.
‒ be studying a masters degree additional bursary, (see co.uk/pg-fees
that can be completed in detailed information online). Call 0300 303 5303
no more than three years
‒ not currently have a masters Funding – Northern
degree or equivalent Ireland and Scotland
‒ be studying your qualification You could be eligible for a fee Open University
from the beginning. loan of up to £5,500 from Student Student Budget
Key facts Finance Northern Ireland or the Accounts Ltd
Student Awards Agency Scotland. (OUSBA)
‒ Repayments only start when
you earn more than the income To be eligible you must be: When you enrol with us, you’ll
threshold (currently, £21,000). be offered the opportunity
‒ resident in Northern
to pay your fees through a
‒ You’ll repay 6% of your income Ireland or Scotland
loan from OUSBA.
over £21,000 – so, for example, ‒ studying for an eligible
if you earn £25,000, you’ll postgraduate qualification. OUSBA will pay your fees to
repay only £240 that year (6% of The Open University, and you
£4,000). That’s just £20 a month. Key facts repay OUSBA either in a single
‒ Repayments only start sum before your course starts –
‒ Payments are deducted
when you earn more than the in this case there’s no interest
automatically from your salary.
income threshold (currently, – or in monthly instalments
‒ Any balance outstanding after £18,935 in Northern Ireland of up to a year – in this case,
30 years will be written off. and £18,330 in Scotland). interest does apply.
‒ You’ll repay 9% of your income The interest rate is fixed for
Funding – Wales over the threshold – so, for example, the duration of the course
New postgraduate students can if you earn £20,000 and live (representative APR 5.1%).
apply for financial support, made in Scotland, you’ll repay only
£150.30 that year (9% of £1,670). If you’re worried about
up of non-repayable grants and
That’s less than £13 a month. affordability or a poor credit
top-up loans.
‒ Payments are deducted history, you can apply for a
To be eligible you must be: joint loan application with
automatically from your salary.
‒ resident in Wales a third party e.g. partner,
Self-funded study sibling, friend, etc.
‒ studying for a masters degree
‒ under 60 years old. You can pay using a debit or credit Find out more about OUSBA at
card, or by bank transfer. Or spread openuniversity.co.uk/ousba.
Key facts the cost with an Open University
As a responsible lender,
‒ The support is made up of Student Budget Account – see
OUSBA carries out
grants and loans and is right for more information.
affordability checks as part
worth up to £17,489. of the application process.
10BOOST YOUR
CAREER PROSPECTS
EXPLORE THE OU
An OU qualification can Careers guidance. You’ll get
really boost your career. Right from day one EXCLUSIVE
Employers the world over We’ll help you start, change or
develop your career, regardless
ACCESS
will respect what you’ve of your background. And you’ll to OpportunityHub,
the online platform
tackled. They know it’s discover opportunities you might
otherwise never encounter. connecting OU
hard to juggle study, students and graduates
Once you’re registered,
work and family life. you’ll get access to: with employers
There’s no better way to show ‒ online forums, webinars,
you can seize opportunity. and Facebook live chats
That you’re ready to learn.
‒ a wealth of downloadable guides
And up for fresh challenges.
and Your Career Planning Guide
Network Rail, IBM and PwC are MORE ONLINE
‒ online interactive career planning
just some of the firms which
and CV building tools Visit openuniversity.
seek recruits from the OU.
co.uk/careers
‒ our LinkedIn networking group
You’ll be working ‒ one-to-one guidance from
hard. And we’ll be experienced careers consultants.
working hard for you
Our relationships with employers
help us understand what they’re
looking for. Our educational
materials are often designed by Balancing OU study with
leading industry experts. And we other commitments gives
check them with skills councils,
students flexibility and time
businesses and professional
bodies to make sure they’re
management skills particularly
current and relevant. valued by employers and can
really prepare students for life
That’s why so many employers
are happy to sponsor their staff beyond higher education.
to study with the OU.
Andrew Bargery,
PwC
11OUR RESEARCH –
CREATING YOUR
CURRICULUM
We’re leading the way Dogs go digital Rosetta: The great space
mission of our time
in world-class research Dr Clara Mancini set up our
first research programme into It took 10 years for the Rosetta
Tackling real-life issues animal-computer interaction. space mission to reach Comet
And making sure the Developing tools to enable dogs 67P. But after travelling almost
curriculum you study to work in medical detection. four billion miles, it finally made
it on 6 August 2014.
remains cutting edge. One tool lets diabetes-alert
dogs raise help if their owner Getting there was the first hurdle.
suffers a hypoglycaemic attack. Then it was down to the important
Volcano safety Another allows trained pets instrumentation built by the OU
First we developed EVOSS – the to operate lights or doors. to do its work. Like Ptolemy, which
European Volcano Observatory measured samples from the comet
Through digital technology, we
Space Services project. Now and found they contained sugars
hope to link these tools to wireless
we’re developing a real-time and amino acids: the building
appliances, alert others that help
satellite volcano monitoring blocks of life.
is required, and make these even
system, designed to expand
more useful in people’s homes.
worldwide. We’ll provide vital
information on lavas, gas columns
and ash plumes – potentially
protecting thousands of people.
MORE ONLINE
Find out what else we’re discovering
Visit openuniversity.co.uk/
ourresearch
Call 0300 303 5303
12I AM...
JAMES FROWEN
James graduated from After completing my undergraduate OU MBA is that it takes a practice-
degree in four years, I still wanted to based approach. So, when you learn
The Open University with go further in my career, so it made new skills, you can practise them
a BA (Hons) in Leadership sense to undertake an MBA. in the workplace immediately.
and Management and Studying with the OU is such To get the most out of the course,
progressed in his career to a rewarding experience. It’s not I’ve had to work very hard. I’m married
just the high-quality learning with a young daughter, but the
middle management. But OU has enabled me to be flexible.
materials, but the opportunity to
with the determination to study alongside students from That means that one day I might
go further, he registered other backgrounds. It’s invaluable. be studying quite late at night, and
The residential schools have been on another, I might be studying on
on an MBA with the OU particularly useful. Spending time the train to London, and that works
and is now the Head with international students gives perfectly. I couldn’t get that at a
traditional university. That said,
of Customer Delivery you great insight and has
you do have to invest the time
broadened my perspective,
Support with the making me a far better leader. – you have to be committed.
Welsh Civil Service. I’m now on the corporate
The skills you learn from the OU
leadership group for Companies
– the ability to organise yourself,
House and oversee six different
to keep yourself motivated, to
teams. It’s been an incredible
go home after work and then sit
journey. Studying with the OU
down for another three or four
has been life changing. As well
hours of studies – change you as
as the benefits to my career,
a person. My studies have made
it’s completely transformed
me far more confident. I’m more
me as a person.
aware of strategy and the wider
picture within organisations, and James Frowen,
that has been massively beneficial. currently studying
One of the key things about the towards an MBA
13FIND A
POSTGRADUATE COURSE
In this section you can
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
find information about
the specific qualifications MA/MSc Open 15
that we offer. There’s a Arts and humanities 16
wide range of fascinating
subjects to choose from. Business and management 18
Childhood and youth studies 20
Computing and IT 21
Education 22
Engineering and technology management 24
Environmental and global development 26
Health and social care 28
Languages 29
Mathematics 30
Science 32
Social science and psychology 34
Systems thinking in practice 35
14FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
MA/MSc OPEN
Do you want the freedom Whatever your reason for
Masters
postgraduate study, choosing the Subjects
to create a personalised MA/MSc Open will demonstrate
degree
course of study across your flexibility in approaching Choose modules
different subjects and the breadth F81
a range of academic from a wide range of
(MA/MSc)
of knowledge you’ve gained in academic disciplines
disciplines? Then our related disciplines. You’ll develop
MA/MSc Open is ideal. a richer world-view in the learning
process, bringing with it a set of
Not all postgraduate students want desirable skills and attributes you
to specialise in the traditional way. can apply to your personal and
This is where our innovative masters professional life, including:
degree is different. MORE ONLINE
‒ adaptability
Discover more and register online
Why choose the ‒ critical thinking
Visit openuniversity.co.uk/f81
MA/MSc Open? ‒ analysis and problem solving.
Put simply, the MA/MSc Open gives
you choice. It allows you the freedom
to choose from a variety of modules
across different subject areas.
You can:
‒ Tailor your qualification
to suit your needs.
‒ Choose modules from a wide
range of related subject areas.
‒ Study to fit your evolving
ambitions or personal interests.
‒ Open up your career prospects.
‒ Count previous study
towards your qualification.
15ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Human culture and Join around 1,800 students Many of our postgraduates have
currently engaged in our diverse continued into academic and
history gives us a deeper programme, which covers many research careers, going on to
insight into the world we fascinating aspects of historical complete MPhil and/or PhDs.
live in and how we got here. and contemporary cultures. Some publish books and articles
Modules are designed to stretch resulting from their dissertation
Seek intellectual challenge your abilities and refine your research. Others have used their
and invigorate your passion research and analytical skills. You’ll newly acquired skills to help take
gain excellent credentials both for their career to a more senior level in
for the arts with OU
the world of employment and for areas such as teaching, journalism,
postgraduate study. further higher-level qualifications. media and public sector employment.
The table below shows the
Advanced academic postgraduate qualifications
achievement, enhanced we currently offer in arts
career opportunities and and humanities.
personal fulfilment. Just
a few of the rewards you’ll Subjects
Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
certificate diploma degree
get from studying with us.
Art history F33 (MA)
Classical studies F27 (MA)
Creative writing F71 (MA)
English F58 (MA)
History F28 (MA)
Humanities C20 D35
Music F32 (MA)
Philosophy F30 (MA)
16FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
MA in Art History (F33) MA in Creative Writing (F71) MA in Music (F32)
This online MA will deepen your This online MA offers an exciting This fascinating introduction
understanding of art, architecture opportunity to develop your skills to the methods and materials
and visual culture, build your as a writer in fiction, poetry, creative used for music research will suit
analytical and critical skills, and non-fiction and scriptwriting. You’ll professionals working in a wide
develop the skills needed for write in a genre of your choice and range of music-related settings
independent study and research. experiment with at least one other and is also applicable if you have
You will start by exploring the through practical and inspiring a leisure interest in music.
core concepts and recent activities. Through sharing, reading
developments that have shaped and critiquing work in progress, MA in Philosophy (F30)
art history from Renaissance your writing practice will be honed
This online MA will hone your
Italy to the contemporary as you progress towards producing
ability to think clearly, reason
Caribbean, before expanding a substantial piece of your own
logically, and develop your essay
your understanding of visual work to a professional standard.
writing, research and analytical
and material objects.
skills. You’ll put forward and
MA in English (F58) evaluate arguments while exploring
MA in Classical Studies (F27) This online MA offers you current debates and issues in
This online MA will develop your a rich and exciting experience philosophy – engaging with
knowledge of the ancient Graeco- of higher-level literary study a wide range of fascinating
Roman world and prepare you for and enables you to develop philosophy texts and areas of
independent study, culminating in your independent skills in contemporary enquiry with
a dissertation. You will investigate literary research, culminating discussions on environmental
classical studies as a multidisciplinary in a dissertation on a topic aesthetics, consciousness, global
field, examining texts, artefacts of your choice. justice and political philosophy.
and other surviving evidence
through a range of theoretical MA in History (F28)
and methodological perspectives,
This online MA develops your
including options in classical
research and writing skills through
archaeology, language and
a close analysis of major themes
reception, and a subject
and sources in the local and
module based around the
regional history of Britain and
body in classical antiquity.
Ireland 1750–1950. You’ll gain
practical experience of project MORE ONLINE
planning through the completion
Discover more and register online
of your own independently
researched dissertation. Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
17BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Business and organisations Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
are a vital part of modern certificate diploma degree
life, global economies, Business
C66 E80 F61 (MBA)
administration
politics and cultures.
Studying them and the Finance K24 E83 F67 (MSc)
people who are involved
Human resource
in them is rewarding in management
K25 E84 F68 (MSc)
many ways. Apart from Technology
F69 (MBA)
strengthening your management
intellectual abilities, it
can enhance your career (AACSB); the Association of
MBAs (AMBA); and the European
and contribute to society. Foundation for Management
Upgrade your qualifications and Development, through its EQUIS
broaden your management skills, programme – hallmarks of quality
or seek opportunities to move of teaching, learning materials
from a professional, functional or and qualification impact.
technical role into a more senior The table above shows the
or general management position. postgraduate qualifications
Whatever your starting point or we currently offer in business
end goal, gain an extra edge with and management.
a postgraduate qualification from
The Open University Business School.
Our Business School is one of an We have more than
elite group of schools worldwide
that are accredited by the three
leading international accrediting
26,000
bodies – the Association to Advance successful MBA graduates
Collegiate Schools of Business in almost 100 countries
18FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Selected highlights MSc in Finance (F67) MSc in Human Resource
This qualification is designed to Management (F68)
MBA (F61) support professional development This MSc combines an in-depth
and practice in a wide range understanding of human resource
This internationally recognised
of roles in finance – whether (HR) management with a broader
MBA is designed for practising
you’re developing in your career exploration of its organisational and
managers aspiring to higher
or aspiring to enter the sector. It management context. Whether
positions. The emphasis for
provides a thorough grounding in you’re at the start of your career
your learning is directly rooted
areas such as corporate finance, in HR, aspiring to enter the HR
in management practice. You’ll
financial decision-making, financial profession or a line manager, it will
focus on strategic analysis and
reporting and governance. You’ll give you up-to-date knowledge
interdisciplinary skills – building
develop competences in applying of organisational theory and
on a solid foundation of core
statistical and econometric behaviour and the specialist
disciplines, including human
techniques and gain knowledge skills essential to practitioners.
resource management,
of the fundamentals of Islamic
organisational behaviour, You’ll explore HR strategy both
finance and behavioural finance.
accounting and finance, within organisations (including
marketing and operations. You can choose to specialise either issues such as employee relations
in derivatives and financial risk and employee engagement,
MBA (Technology management or in investment learning and development, and
Management) (F69) and portfolio management, and employee resourcing and talent
will complete your qualification management) and in relation to the
If you’re looking for an MBA
with a dissertation on a finance external environment (including
with a focus on technology,
topic of your choice that is globalisation and international
this is the qualification for you.
relevant to your interests or forces, social and technological
It’s applicable to technology
chosen career development. change, and government
management and technological
This qualification has been policies and regulation).
innovation in a wide variety of
contexts and sectors, including: accepted into the CFA Institute Completing the MSc, and the related
information technology/information University Affiliation Program. residential school module, provides
systems, telecommunications, a route to professional membership
computing, engineering, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel
manufacturing, transport and Development (CIPD).
and logistics, retailing, energy
production and supply, defence
and security, management and
administration, and any form
of services, including health,
welfare and leisure. MORE ONLINE
Discover more and register online
Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
19CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH STUDIES
Our interdisciplinary Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subject
approach to postgraduate certificate diploma degree
study in the field of Childhood and
K32 E93 F55 (MA)
youth studies
childhood and youth
draws upon aspects
from childhood and The table above shows the Postgraduate Diploma
postgraduate qualifications in Childhood and Youth
youth studies; sociology; we currently offer in childhood Studies (E93)
health and social care; and youth studies.
The postgraduate diploma comprises
psychology; and education. MA in Childhood
the first two modules from the
MA in Childhood and Youth.
Our teaching approach and Youth (F55)
encourages students to link This masters degree delivers Postgraduate Certificate
theory to practical application an interdisciplinary approach to in Childhood and Youth
and policy. You’ll improve your studying childhood and youth, Studies (K32)
knowledge, critical reflection and covering aspects of theory, policy
insight into working with children and practice. It’s well suited if you The postgraduate certificate
and young people on each module. work with, or aspire to work with, comprises the first module from
children and young people. Or, if the MA in Childhood and Youth.
This subject is particularly relevant
if you’re a graduate working in (or you want to advance academically
aspiring to work in) early-years or in your profession. It’s designed
provision, education, social work, for graduates in childhood and
nursing, psychology, healthcare, youth studies; sociology; health
and social care; anthropology;
youth-work settings, youth justice or MORE ONLINE
the voluntary sector. You can build psychology; or education.
Discover more and register online
up your study from the certificate The MA comprises three 60-credit
towards the masters degree. modules: Children and young Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
Achievement of these advanced people’s worlds (E808); Frameworks
qualifications will significantly for critical practice with children
enhance your career prospects. and young people (E809); and
a dissertation module (E822).
You may also be
interested in our
QUALIFICATIONS
IN EDUCATION
see page 22
20FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
COMPUTING AND IT
Stay at the forefront of Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
computing and IT with certificate diploma degree
OU postgraduate study. Computing K22 E81 F66 (MSc)
Professionals with a strong
skill set and advanced Cyber security E96 F87 (MSc)
knowledge are very
much in demand.
Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Diploma
We work with employers and in Computing (E81) in Cyber Security (E96)
sector-skills councils to offer This flexible diploma enables This industry-relevant qualification
industry-relevant qualifications. computing practitioners to gives a rigorous approach to the
We map our study to sector-skills pursue their career goals. You’ll study and application of cyber
frameworks to ensure you’ll gain advanced knowledge, security. It covers a range of topics
have the skills employers need. skills and techniques, and develop and incorporates transferable
The table above shows the a professional approach to skills for professional development.
postgraduate qualifications the study and application of It’s also the first two-thirds of our
we currently offer in computing. You can choose MSc in Cyber Security.
computing and IT. modules to meet the varied
requirements of industry and your
MSc in Computing (F66) own career. Or focus on software
engineering or information
This qualification provides a rigorous security and forensics.
approach to the study and application
of computing. Choose between
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MSc in Cyber Security (F87) Discover more and register online
three routes. Our flexible route lets
you choose modules to suit your Cyber security is a growing
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needs. Or choose between the concern. There’s currently a major
Software Engineering route and the skills gap and global demand
Information Security and Forensics for cyber security professionals.
route. They let you develop in-depth Our MSc will put you in the ideal
specialist knowledge. Finish with an position to pursue a successful
independent project with either a career in cyber security. You’ll
professional or research orientation. cover information security, digital
forensics and other fundamental
concepts, and complete your
masters with an independent
project on a cyber security topic
of your choice. It will either have a
professional or research orientation.
21EDUCATION
Whether you’re an The Masters degree in Education and teaching approaches
(and its associated Postgraduate relevant to digital learning
experienced practitioner Certificate and Diploma in and global education.
or looking to move into Professional Studies in Education)
New for this year is our Postgraduate
an education-related allows you to choose subject
Certificate in Education in Wales.
content most appropriate to your
role, our qualifications professional area of interest. No matter what you decide to study,
offer flexibility for your Subject areas include:
your postgraduate study will develop
your capacity to reflect critically
professional development ‒ applied linguistics and constructively with others in
and the opportunity to ‒ inclusive practice
a learning community, engage
gain career credentials to with the ideas and frameworks
‒ leadership and management presented in the modules and apply
help you establish yourself them to your practice. You’ll also
‒ learning and teaching.
as a leader in your field. acquire skills and experience in
The online and distance education tackling and solving problems.
programme enables you to
develop specialist professional The table below shows the
expertise in the latest technologies postgraduate qualifications
we currently offer in education.
Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
certificate diploma degree
Education K27 E88 F70 (MA/MEd)
Online and
C23
distance education
Postgraduate certificate
K36
in education in Wales
22FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Masters degree Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate
in Education (F70) in Professional Studies in Education in Wales (K36)
This flexible qualification offers in Education (E88) This PGCE allows those living
four specialist routes. Your choice The postgraduate diploma or working in Wales to gain
of route lets you engage with issues, comprises the first two-thirds of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
concepts and debates that support the Masters degree in Education. It will equip you with all the skills
your professional development. and experience you need to
Choose from applied linguistics; Postgraduate Certificate start in the teaching profession.
inclusive practice; leadership in Professional Studies
and management; and learning in Education (K27)
and teaching. You’ll expand your
research and communication The postgraduate certificate
skills through a dissertation. comprises the first third of the
Masters degree in Education. MORE ONLINE
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Postgraduate Certificate
interested in our in Online and Distance Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
MA IN Education (C23)
TRANSLATION Study the theory and practice of
see page 29 online and distance education,
and the innovative use of new
media and technologies.
23ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Qualified engineers and Imagination and the ability Accreditation
to integrate technologies into and recognition
technologists now rank an organisation’s products,
Our MSc in Engineering fulfils the
among the highest paid processes and services are in
Engineering Council’s educational
professionals, according great demand throughout public
requirements for Chartered
and voluntary sectors. As well
to EngineeringUK. as private business and industry.
Engineer (CEng) status under
UK-SPEC1, and is accredited by
The table below shows the several leading institutions:
postgraduate qualifications we
‒ Chartered Institution of Building
currently offer in engineering
Services Engineers (CIBSE)
and technology management.
‒ Institution of Engineering
Designers (IED)
Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects ‒ Institution of Engineering
certificate diploma degree
and Technology (IET)
Engineering E22 F46 (MSc) ‒ Institution of Mechanical
Engineers (IMechE).
Technology
C49 E08 F36 (MSc) 1
UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional
management
Engineering Competence) sets out the
requirements for UK engineers to
achieve professional status.
24FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Selected highlights Postgraduate Diploma MSc in Technology
in Engineering (E22) Management (F36)
MSc in Engineering (F46) Combine modules from This MSc provides the knowledge
engineering analysis and and skills to make decisions about
The MSc is a milestone on the
technology management to technology strategy, innovation
route to becoming a Chartered
shape a qualification that suits and management. You’ll focus
Engineer (CEng). You’ll develop
your career aspirations. You’ll on the operational aspects of
a professional approach to
broaden and deepen your managing technological innovation
your work and extend your
understanding of professional and change. You’ll go on to explore
engineering skills. You’ll also
engineering and work a range of capabilities that are key
develop a range of transferable
collaboratively on a project. to the strategic development and
skills, such as creative problem
The diploma is the first step management of technological
solving, effective communication,
on the route to Chartered innovation. Finally, you’ll conclude
project management and
Engineer status and is the with an in-depth investigation of
concept realisation.
same in structure as the a topic or problem of your choice.
first two-thirds of the MSc.
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25ENVIRONMENTAL AND
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
We live in an age dominated Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subject
by concerns about the certificate diploma degree
environment, sustainable Environmental
K19 E79 F65 (MSc)
management
development, cultural
conflict, poverty and war.
The table above shows the Selected highlight
Individuals, organisations postgraduate qualifications
and governments are being we currently offer in MSc in Environmental
challenged to think more environmental management. Management (F65)
proactively about the local and
Expand your knowledge and
global impact of their actions. This Accreditation skills needed for effective,
shift has made the importance
‒ Chartered Institution of Water informed and creative
of finding sustainable solutions
and Environmental Management. environmental management.
to these issues even more vital.
‒ Institute of Environmental You’ll examine current local
Management & Assessment. and global concerns. In areas
Environmental such as environmental protection,
Management natural resource management, and
Complying with environmental legislation and policy. Developing
legislation. Improving the competitive your skills in unpacking the issues
edge of a business. Addressing and improving environmental
the global challenges of climate performance in all sectors.
change and energy conservation.
Environmental management is
becoming increasingly important
to everyone.
If you’re interested in designing, MORE ONLINE
managing and participating Discover more and register online
in effective environmental
management, our postgraduate Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
qualifications are for you. Our
student body is diverse and
experienced – drawn from local
government, consultancies,
industry, commerce, non-
governmental organisations
and communities.
26FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Global Development Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
certificate diploma degree
Global development gets
ever more complex as more
Global development K37 E86 F86 (MSc)
agencies become involved. The
right of ‘beneficiaries’ to participate
Global development
in their own development is K38
management
increasingly asserted. New goals
emerge, complementing and
confronting existing ones. The You’ll improve your understanding Postgraduate Certificate
global development agenda is of modern development challenges in Global Development
currently dominated by the UN’s by exploring historical and Management (K38)
Sustainable Development Goals contemporary contexts. Through
– 17 targets that UN member states critical reflection, you’ll learn to Aimed at development professionals,
have committed to achieve by 2030. better understand the theories this postgraduate certificate takes a
These include reducing poverty and behind current approaches, and practical approach to development
taking action on climate change. build the skills needed to negotiate interventions. It’ll develop your skills
development effectively. You’ll to negotiate development effectively
Our global development curriculum in contexts affected by conflicting
will allow you to address these relate these skills to your current
work, enabling you to grow interests, values and agendas.
complexities. Doing so will strengthen
your policy development and project professionally and bring about On completion, you’ll also be
management skills, enhancing your sustainable development. able to use this qualification as
capacity to build the organisational a pathway to the postgraduate
Postgraduate Certificate in
relationships needed for truly diploma and masters degree
Global Development (K37)
sustainable development. in global development.
On this postgraduate certificate,
The table above shows the you’ll explore the historical and
postgraduate qualifications we contemporary theories about
currently offer in global development and its impact.
development. You’ll use real-world case studies
to engage with these theories
Selected highlights in challenging contexts, and
understand which approaches
MSc in Global are most appropriate.
Development (F86) Whilst developed as a standalone
This masters degree focuses on qualification, the credits gained
alternative approaches, policies on this qualification could be MORE ONLINE
and actions to address global used towards the postgraduate
development challenges and Discover more and register online
diploma and masters degree
promote sustainable futures. in global development. Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
27HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
The health and social care Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
sector offers a wealth of certificate diploma degree
rewarding opportunities Advanced
K33 E95 F85 (MSc)
clinical practice
for professional learning.
Our practice-focused Social work E85 F80 (MA)
qualifications enable you to
build on existing professional
Advanced Postgraduate Diploma
experience to progress your in Enhanced Clinical
career in the area you’re Clinical Practice Practice (E95)
most interested in. This new OU programme, This diploma is designed for
includes a masters degree in experienced, registered allied
The table above shows the advanced clinical practice, a health professionals, nurses and
postgraduate qualifications postgraduate diploma in enhanced pharmacists who are employed in
we currently offer in health clinical practice and a postgraduate trainee advanced clinical practice
and social care. certificate in non-medical roles. It will help you develop the
prescribing. The programme clinical knowledge, leadership and
Social Work provides a flexible path for trainee assessment skills needed to work
health professionals to develop in advanced clinical practice roles,
This programme – consisting of into autonomous and leadership across a variety of clinical settings,
a diploma and a masters degree roles in advanced clinical practice. within primary and secondary care.
– is interdisciplinary, with subject
matter derived from psychology, MSc in Advanced Postgraduate Certificate
sociology, social policy, law and Clinical Practice (F85) in Non-Medical
social work studies.
This qualification develops the Prescribing (K33)
skills and knowledge required This professional qualification
MA in Social Work (F80)
to allow experienced, registered prepares appropriately qualified
This course will enhance allied health professionals, nurses/ nurses, pharmacists and allied
your knowledge of social work midwives and pharmacists to take health professionals to become
theory and legislation, apply your on expanded roles and scope of Independent or Supplementary
learning to practice, and develop practice. By focusing on the four Prescribers, opening up opportunities
your critical and analytical skills as pillars that underpin advanced for you to play an enhanced and
a qualified practitioner. It includes clinical practice – leadership and highly valued role within your
an embedded, professionally management, education, research organisation. It includes face-
qualifying Postgraduate Diploma and clinical practice – you’ll develop to-face workshops alongside
in Social Work which is approved your core capabilities and clinical online resources and tutorials.
as a qualifying award for social competence to work as a highly
workers by Social Work England autonomous practitioner across
(SWE) and the Scottish Social the healthcare sector.
Services Council (SSSC).
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28FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
LANGUAGES
With increasing global Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subject
demand for translators certificate diploma degree
and language specialists, Translation K30 E92 F79 (MA)
our postgraduate
qualifications will provide MA in Translation (F79) Postgraduate Certificate
you with the knowledge This qualification will develop in Translation (K30)
and skills to embark on your skills as a translator, equipping The postgraduate certificate
you to work in the fast-growing comprises the first module of
a career as a translator.
translation-services industry. the MA. The certificate enables
An immensely rewarding You’ll experiment with different you to start developing your skills
profession, translation is for those genres through practical translation as a translator. You’ll engage in
with an interest in languages and activities and hone your practice authentic translation tasks to
communication. It encompasses through peer review. You’ll gain develop useful employability
a wide and growing range of areas, hands-on experience of the tools skills, explore different approaches
including audiovisual translation, used in this evolving area, for to translation and develop an
advertising and website localisation. example, audiovisual translation understanding of the links between
It also covers semi-specialised and cloud-based translation tools. theory and practice. Focusing
and specialised translation. You’ll underpin your work with on recent research, you’ll develop
an understanding of translation an awareness of wider cultural,
You can study French, German, theories and debates, which you’ll ethical and professional contexts.
Italian, Spanish, Modern Standard demonstrate when producing
Arabic, or Mandarin Chinese – a dissertation or extended
in combination with English. translation project.
The table above shows the
postgraduate qualifications we Postgraduate Diploma
currently offer in languages. in Translation (E92) MORE ONLINE
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of the MA. The diploma builds
on the work covered in the
postgraduate certificate and
progresses your translation
practice through hands-on
experience of translation tools.
You’ll also take part in online
open translation projects, giving
you options to choose what
you translate and connect
with established translation
communities.
29MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is at the heart We have over 500 students This enhanced skill-set and
currently studying for our MSc, by study experience will offer clear
of advances in science, far the largest number of students advantages in progressing
engineering and technology. on any mathematics MSc in the UK. your career as a professional
It’s an indispensable mathematician. Equally, they
You’ll gain access to
can help you to climb the ranks
problem-solving and important and fascinating
in fields as diverse as computer
areas of mathematics, such as
decision-making tool approximation theory, coding
science, economics, engineering
and finance – where advanced
in many areas of life. theory and analytic number theory.
numerical and analytical skills
Explore pure and applied While extending your knowledge, are always in high demand.
mathematics with our intellectually your studies will also refine your
The table below shows the
stimulating curriculum. Whether abilities to process information
postgraduate qualifications we
you’re looking to advance your accurately, and critically analyse
currently offer in mathematics.
career, or study what interests and communicate complex ideas.
you, our mathematics programme
has much to offer.
Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subject
certificate diploma degree
Mathematics C90 E23 F04 (MSc)
30FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
MSc in Mathematics (F04) Postgraduate Certificate in
Delve deep into the aspects of Mathematics (C90)
pure and applied mathematics This certificate comprises
that interest you. Choose from a two 30-credit modules from
wide range of modules. There are a wide choice. Tailor your study
topics for not only mathematicians, to areas that suit you. Develop
but engineers and mathematically skills in problem solving and
inclined scientists. Choose from decision making relevant in
areas such as fractal geometry, business, commerce and industry.
coding theory and calculus of It’s also the first stage of our
variations. Advance your career postgraduate mathematics
with a high-level qualification. programme. You can progress
to the postgraduate diploma and
Postgraduate Diploma in then the MSc in Mathematics.
Mathematics (E23)
This diploma comprises four Entry requirements
30-credit modules from a wide ‒ An honours degree
choice. Topics include analytic (with a 2:2 classification
number theory, calculus of or higher) in mathematics.
variations and nonlinear ordinary
‒ Alternatively, an honours
differential equations. Extend
degree (with a 2:1 classification
your understanding of areas of
or higher) in a subject with a
mathematics applicable to science,
high mathematical content.
engineering and technology. It’s
also the first two stages of our Check you’re ready with
postgraduate mathematics our self-assessed quiz:
programme. You can achieve the openuniversity.co.uk/mscquiz.
MSc in Mathematics by taking a
further two 30-credit modules.
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31SCIENCE
Scientific research is Personally and professionally A postgraduate qualification in
rewarding, science is as diverse as science will widen your opportunities,
advancing at a rapid it is challenging. As a professional with the potential to rise to the top
rate, which means the scientist, you could be instrumental of your profession and significantly
demand for skilled science in developing new medicines, increase your lifetime earnings.
researching health sciences or
graduates is growing. The table below shows the
as part of a team advancing
postgraduate qualifications
space exploration.
we currently offer in science.
Postgraduate Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
certificate diploma degree
Mental health science E91 F78 (MSc)
Space science and
K28 E90 F77 (MSc)
technology
32FIND A POSTGRADUATE COURSE
Selected highlights MSc in Space Science
and Technology (F77)
MSc in Mental
This qualification looks at space
Health Science (F78) science and the technology that MORE ONLINE
This MSc looks at the biological underpins it. It’s suitable whether Discover more and register online
and psychological underpinnings the subject interests you or you
of mental health science. You’ll Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
want to develop a career in the
examine anxiety, depression, space sector. We developed this
psychosis and dementia from a MSc in consultation with the UK
biopsychosocial perspective. You’ll Space Agency and the space
gain advanced knowledge and industry itself. It’ll equip you with
understanding of contemporary the skills to carry out individual and
topics in metal health science. team scientific investigations using
Plus the skills to critically evaluate space-based instrumentation.
literature, discuss issues and Learn how to use a programming
communicate your understanding. language in support of space
You’ll also plan and carry out an science applications. Develop skills
academically rigorous research that are relevant to further research
project. And develop skills and or employment in the space sector.
knowledge relevant to further You’ll also conduct an in-depth
research, employment and research project in space science
professional practice. or space technology.
33SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGY
Explore, in-depth Postgraduate Masters
Subjects
psychology and social certificate degree
science. Subjects used Crime and justice F75 (MA)
in many professional
and everyday contexts, Forensic psychological studies F73 (MSc)
including counselling;
criminal justice; social Psychology F74 (MSc)
policy; and social research.
Social and psychological inquiry K26
Use your passion for social and
psychological questions and debates
to develop your critical thinking, You’ll consider the significance MSc in Forensic
research skills and knowledge. of power, social structure, and Psychological Studies (F73)
Advance your personal interests economic and social inequalities
and unlock new career opportunities This MSc enables you to gain
in understanding crime, processes
with postgraduate study. an advanced understanding of
of criminalisation, and ideas about
the fascinating area of forensic
The table above shows the justice. The qualification will enhance
psychology, while enhancing your
postgraduate qualifications your ability to construct clear,
analytical and communication
we currently offer in social logical and theoretically informed
skills, as well as your research
science and psychology. arguments about problems
literacy. You’ll learn about a
of criminological interest.
broad range of topics relevant
Postgraduate Certificate to forensic psychology, including
in Social and Psychological MSc in Psychology (F74) cyber crime, investigative
Inquiry (K26) This MSc provides a valuable interviewing and profiling, and
opportunity to gain an advanced develop an understanding of the
If your work makes considerable
understanding of a range of reciprocal relationship this field
use of social or psychological
research areas in psychology, of research has with UK law,
research or you are fascinated
including cognitive, social, forensic policing practice, policy, and the
by research into social behaviour
and counselling psychology. wider public. The qualification
and issues, this certificate will
It aims to develop critical appraisal also considers international
equip you with the knowledge,
skills in psychological research research and practice.
skills and confidence to appraise
and practice by showcasing
research and communicate
contemporary research carried
your ideas to academic and
out by OU academics. You’ll also
non-academic audiences.
gain an understanding of
the reciprocal relationship
MA in Crime and Justice (F75)
psychological research has MORE ONLINE
This MA explores new perspectives with medicine, public policy, Discover more and register online
and approaches to crime, harm public opinion and the media.
and justice. It is concerned with Visit openuniversity.co.uk/pg
examining problematic areas of
social life, transgression, crime,
social harm and justice in
an increasingly global world.
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