Planning your studies
Typically, you will need a bachelors degree or equivalent qualification relevant to your intended specialist area of study i.e. Art, Humanities and Languages (Study Area 1), Education, Psychology and Health Sciences (Study Area 2), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Study Area 3) and Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Study Area 4).
If you have other study or experience that you believe equips you to take this qualification you can still apply, but you must supply evidence of your study or experience. Your case will be referred to the Programme Admissions Team. Depending on your previous qualifications or experience, some background study may be necessary before registering for this qualification or its constituent modules and microcredentials. If your bachelors degree is not in a subject relevant to your intended area of specialisation for this masters degree, we would, for example, expect you to have completed at least 60 credits of study at FHEQ level 6 or equivalent that is relevant to your chosen specialist area, before you register for this qualification. For further advice, please contact us.
Any individual module or microcredential entry requirements (including prescribed study order, pre-requisite study or access to a particular work setting etc.) will need to be met separately, where specified. Please refer to individual module/microcredential descriptions to ensure that you meet the entry requirements for studying that course.
You will be required to present an outline of your proposed plan of study and your educational and career objectives. If your module/microcredential choices and objectives are better suited to specialised study within a defined area, we may recommend a relevant named degree programme.
You will need good computing skills and a level of proficiency in the English language that is adequate for study at postgraduate level. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. You can assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies by visiting the IELTS website.
If you are new to postgraduate study, we would strongly recommend that you complete the free Badged Open Course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, in advance of your course start date. This free course (24 hours of study across eight sessions) will introduce you to the nature of masters level study and offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level. You will also find this course helpful if you are re-engaging with postgraduate study after a period of absence from academic study.
How long it takes
The recommended pace of study is three years (for the majority of module combinations and routes through the qualification). Although it may be possible to complete this qualification in less than three years, we recommend that you take no more than 90 credits a year due to the demands that studying the degree will make on you.
Module and microcredential start dates do vary and, depending on your study choices, the minimum time taken to complete the qualification may be more than three years. Study durations will also vary, and you can expect to study for different lengths of time depending on the module or microcredential:
- Typical 15-credit postgraduate microcredential requires 13 study hours over 12 weeks.
- Typical 30-credit module typically requires 300 study hours (8-10 hours per week of study) over up to 32 weeks
- Typical 60-credit module typically requires 600 hours of study (16–20 hours per week of study) over up to 32 weeks
You must complete your qualification within eight years.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. There are two routes through this qualification.
Route 1: You can study 180 credits and specialise within one of the following broadly related study areas:
- Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)
- Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
- Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
Route 2: You can choose to study a minimum of 120 credits within one study area (designated as your area of specialism for the masters), and take up to 60 credits from any other study area, including:
- Further professional development options (Group 5)
Some restrictions or pre-requisite study may apply to certain modules or microcredentials. You should refer to the individual module/microcredential descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared to study.
MA/MSc Open Study Plan
You'll choose modules and microcredentials from the lists below.
The length and start dates of modules and Microcredentials may also vary, so we’ve created a Study Plan to help you map your route through the MA/MSc Open. The Study Plan will help you choose the route that best suits your professional needs or personal interests within the required time limit.
We’re here to help if you need it; speak to an adviser to discuss your choices or see Building your MA/MSc Open for more details.
Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A815, A825, A840, A850, A860, and A870.
Please be aware that the following modules represent foundation modules within the same subject area: A815/A893 (English/English Literature) and A825/A883 (History) A840/A843 (Art History), A850/A853 (Philosophy), A860/A863 (Classical Studies), A870/A873 (Music). Only one foundation module from each of the module pairs listed here can be counted towards this qualification.
Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2)
Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Children and young people's worlds (E808)
This module provides a broad theoretical overview of some of the key contemporary issues in the global study of childhood and youth.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
- Educational leadership: agency, professional learning and change (EE811)
This module explores aspects of educational leadership and management, linking theory and practice. The focus is on models of leadership, leading professional development and management of change. See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 FINAL |
- Addressing inequality and difference in educational practice (EE814)
This module explores issues of equality within the professional practice setting by way of broad themes which apply internationally – for example, ethnicity, disability, religion and gender.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 FINAL |
- Applied linguistics and English Language (EE817)
This module explores how the English language works in different professional contexts, and how knowledge about language can illuminate aspects of the social world. See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 FINAL |
- Learning and teaching: educating the next generation (EE830)
This masters module will challenge you to think through the purposes of education and how it can be made fit for the future.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
- Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures1 (H880)
This module, presented on FutureLearn, will develop your ability to engage creatively and effectively with the broad field of technology-enhanced learning, teaching and training.
See full description
|
60 |
Feb 2024 |
- Introduction to mental health science (S826)
This online module introduces mental health science from biological, psychological and social science perspectives, focusing on stress, anxiety and depression and develops postgraduate study skills.
See full description
|
60 |
Jan 2024 |
- Non-medical independent and supplementary prescribing (K803)
This module enables you to gain the knowledge and skills required for safe, appropriate and effective prescribing practice and become an Independent/Supplementary Prescriber. See full description
|
60 |
Sep 2023 |
- Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
This online module aims to equip you with a range of critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E805, E807, E854, E855, E891, ED841, ET821, H800, H810, H817, K827 and ME825.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Information security (M811)
Explore the professional and technical skills necessary to understand, document, manage and implement strategic and operational aspects of your organisation’s information security.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Digital forensics (M812)
M812 covers the history of forensics, both criminal and criminal digital law, digital investigation techniques for desktop and mobile devices as well as forensic readiness. See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Software development (M813)
Gain the fundamental knowledge and understanding, and analysis and synthesis skills that you will need to develop software artefacts fit for a real-world organisational context.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Data management (M816)
Discover the data management principles, practices and technologies required to develop policies, procedures and systems that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of an organisation’s data asset.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
M820 Calculus of Variations and Advanced Calculus covers functionals, Gâteaux differential, Euler–Lagrange equation, First-integral, Noether’s Theorem, Second variation/Jacobi equation and Sturm–Liouville systems.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
- Analytic number theory 1 (M823)
This entry-level pure mathematics module introduces several concepts from number theory, including congruences, arithmetical functions and their averages, distributions of primes, quadratic reciprocity and Dirichlet’s theorem.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
- Advanced mathematical methods (M833)
This module uses the Maple computing language to teach: perturbation expansions, accelerated convergence, Padé approximations, asymptotic expansions, eigenvalue problems, and Green’s functions.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
- Coding theory (M836)
This module examines error-detecting and error-correcting codes built on algebraic structures, with associated encoding/decoding procedures and applicability, concluding with elements of cryptography.
See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
- Space science (S818)
This module provides an in-depth introduction to the methods of conducting scientific measurements in the space environment and the technologies needed for space missions.
See full description
|
60 |
Jan 2024 FINAL |
- Environmental science challenges (S831) NEW
An opportunity to learn how to help address environmental problems whilst developing core skills directly relevant to employability and good citizenship. See full description
|
30 |
Sep 2023 |
- Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T804)
T804 covers basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses as well as dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 FINAL |
- Manufacture, materials design (T805)
Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how components are made, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Network security (T828)
This module includes Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations; explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)
This engaging online module will equip you with information on monitoring, modelling, and preventive technologies for water, noise, air, and wastes pollution.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Making environmental decisions (T891)
This module teaches you to use a systems framework to integrate environment with other considerations when making decisions in complex environmental management situations.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892) NEW
This module provides the background knowledge and a practical skill-set to lead the way in transforming or creating sustainable organisations of the future.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M828, S807, S808, S825, T824, T825, T863, T881 and T884.
Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B860, B863, B865 and B866.
Further professional development module options (Group 5)
If you study Route 2, you can choose up to 60 credits from the following modules and microcredential options to complete the 180 credits needed for your MA/MSc Open.
Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Investment and portfolio management (B861)
The module covers investment strategies for bonds, equities, the use of derivatives in managing risk, measuring portfolio performance, portfolio optimisation and asset allocation. See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 FINAL |
- Derivatives and risk management (B862)
This module introduces key tools such as derivatives and risk mapping and provides you with an understanding of how the various financial and non-financial risks faced by organisations can be managed. See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 FINAL |
- Sustainable creative management (BB842)
This module explores creative, innovative and sustainable ways of developing and managing organisations and offers practical approaches for developing yourself, your team and your organisation.
See full description
|
15 |
May 2023 |
- Supply chain management (BB849)
This module provides analysis of important concepts and practices in supply chain management, taking into account issues such as globalisation, sustainability and risk management. See full description
|
15 |
May 2023 |
- Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)
This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship as well as different forms of entrepreneurial practice.
See full description
|
15 |
Nov 2023 |
- Leadership and management of public services (BB852)
In this elective module you’ll study the many dimensions of managing public services, which may be public, private for-profit or not-for profit.
See full description
|
15 |
May 2023 |
- Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)
This module will help you become a knowledge leader within your organisation by demonstrating that you’re ahead of current organisational and business challenges.
See full description
|
15 |
Nov 2023 |
- Global development in practice (D890)
Discover the conceptual framework for analysing the contexts in which development takes place and development management practice.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
- Understanding global development (DD870)
This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges. See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
- Project management (M815)
This APM accredited module is ideal for aspiring project managers and practising project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
This module draws on a range of theoretical perspectives from both strategic and innovation management to produce a multi-layered, practical, approach to strategic management of technological innovation.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Technology and innovation management (TB801)
This module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop an understanding of how to contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
TB871 builds capability for making strategy within your own chosen area of (professional) practice using ideas and tools from five traditions of systems thinking. See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
This module is about effecting systemic and systematic change in uncertain and complex situations, change that can transform situations for the better.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2023 |
- Continuing professional development practice (U810)
This module allows you to evaluate and assess 150 hours prior learning and identify and progress appropriate development opportunities for future continuing professional development.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Advance your independent learning (YXM830)
This innovative module allows you to take a topic of your choosing and focus on it in depth while developing your postgraduate study skills. See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
Further professional development microcredential options (Group 5)
Microcredentials are 10–12 week professional development courses presented on FutureLearn. For more information on what you'll study on individual microcredentials, please visit Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications and select your chosen course under the MA/MSc Open (F81).
|
Management of uncertainty: leadership, decisions and action (BZFM801) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Management of change: organisation development and design (BZFM802) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Mentoring and coaching in professional learning (EZFM802) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Developing Educational leadership in practice (EZFM803) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Online teaching: creating courses for adult learners1 (HZFM881) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses (HZFM882) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Mental health: working with children and young people (KZFM801) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Agile leadership and management (TZFM850) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, H809, H818, H819, T835, T840, T846, T848, T862, T867, T876, T877, T878, T879, T889, TU811, TU812, TU870, TU871 and TU872.
1Online teaching: creating courses for adult learners (HZFM881) and Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (H880) in Group 2 are an excluded combination. You may count credit from either, but not both, towards your MA/MSc Open.
Excluded combinations
An excluded combination means some pairs or groups of modules cannot be counted towards the same qualification because their content overlaps. If you’re considering taking a module in a similar area to one you have already completed as a part of a qualification, you need to find out if they are an excluded combination. Please refer to the module descriptions or speak to an adviser if you require further information or advice about excluded combinations.
Building your MA/MSc Open
The MA/MSc Open gives you the freedom to tailor and adjust your qualification to your needs. Our Study Plan is there to help you plan and identify which modules you want to study and in what order you will need to study them.
If you wish to change your chosen modules/microcredentials at any point during your studies, this will be possible if the modules used to complete your qualification are still available as part of the MA/MSc Open.
The modules and microcredentials included on this page are all currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, availability of these courses is subject to change. Make sure that you check the final presentation dates of your intended modules or microcredentials before planning out your qualification.
We’ve put together a few examples of the different routes you could use build your MA/MSc Open below, but further support and advice is available. If you would like to talk over your choices, please speak to an adviser.
Route 1
The example below shows how you could study 180 credits specialising within one broad study area by choosing all modules from one subject group, such as Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1).
180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Route 2 - Example 1
This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area, such as Arts, Humanities, Music and Language (Group 1), and then completing your degree with up to 60 credits from another subject area, such as Education, psychology, health science and healthcare (Group 2).
120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- MA Creative writing (A802)
This online module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and scriptwriting, using practical writing, reading and research activities. See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 |
- MA Classical Studies part 1 (A863)
This module tackles the question, ‘How do we know what we know’ about ancient Greece and Rome by investigating classical studies as a multidisciplinary field.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2023 FINAL |
Plus 60 credits from Group 2 - Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Route 2 - Example 2
This shows how you can study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area, such as Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare (Group 2), and study up to 60 credits from modules and/or microcredentials from Further professional development (Group 5).
120 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development
Mentoring and coaching in professional learning2 (EZFM802) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
Mental health: working with children and young people2 (KZFM801) |
15 |
12 Jun 2023 |
- Advance your independent learning (YXM830)
This innovative module allows you to take a topic of your choosing and focus on it in depth while developing your postgraduate study skills. See full description
|
30 |
Oct 2023 |
2Microcredential. These are 10–12 week professional development courses presented on FutureLearn. Visit Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications and select your chosen course under the MA/MSc Open (F81) for more detail. |