Description
This innovative masters degree allows you to create a personalised course of study across a range of academic disciplines. The programme will enable you to expand your discipline-related knowledge at masters level, gain broader subject-specific knowledge and pursue further professional development in areas that align with your employment needs and professional aspirations.
Key features of the course
- Ideal if you’re interested in several different, yet related fields of study
- Opportunity to specialise in one of four related areas of study
- Offers the flexibility to design your own personalised programme of study
- Tailor your studies to meet your personal interests or professional aspirations
Planning your studies
Entry to this qualification will typically require 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 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. 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 entry requirements (including prescribed study order, pre-requisite study or access to a particular work setting etc.) will need to be separately met, where specified. Please refer to individual module entry requirements and descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared before starting to study for this qualification. You will also 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.
Please note that applicants will be required to present an outline of their proposed plan of study and their educational and career objectives. Depending on the selection of modules and career goals specified, specialised study within a defined area may be deemed more suitable, and would be recommended. Applicants will be directed to relevant named degree programmes in such instances.
How long it takes
The recommended pace of study is three years (for the majority of module combinations and routes through the qualification). Although in certain circumstances, 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. The qualification must be completed within eight years.
Module start dates do vary (modules can start in January/February, April/May or October/November) and in some instances, depending on the choice of modules selected for study, the minimum time taken to complete the qualification may be more than three years. A 30-credit module typically requires 300 hours, and a 60-credit module 600 hours of study (this is equivalent to 8–10 hours of study per week on a 30-credit module and 16–20 hours per week of study on a 60-credit module, over a period of up to 32 weeks).
Career relevance and employability
This multidisciplinary programme may support a variety of career prospects in both public and private sectors, including (but not limited to) education, science, humanities, business, healthcare, journalism, public relations. However, given that your study would be self-designed the possibilities will depend on your particular choices. The degree can be used to inform or strengthen your current employment or professional practice. Alternatively, it could prepare you for many different areas, so if you are thinking of boosting your current prospects or intending to move into a new area, it would be important that you design a programme that suits your specific career needs.
This programme is intended for students with broader interests in several fields or for those whose career goals do not match fully with a single academic area or named degree. It is not a substitute for specialised training concentrating on a single area, but recognises that career aspirations and interests can extend across traditional boundaries and specialisations, and supports students seeking a qualification offering a breadth of skills and knowledge crossing traditional boundaries
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
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 module options (Group 5)
Some restrictions or pre-requisites may apply to certain modules within the programme. You should refer to individual module entry requirements and module descriptions to ensure that you are adequately prepared before your register for this qualification.
To help you plan your studies on this qualification we strongly advise that you use this Study Plan to map a route through the MA/MSc Open that best suits your educational and career objectives within the required time limit. The purpose of the Study Plan is for you to identify which modules you want to study and when they will be studied. The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time. Before planning your qualification, make sure that you check the final presentation dates of your intended modules.
If you wish to change your chosen modules at any point during your studies, this will be possible providing the modules used to complete your qualification are still included in either Route 1 or Route 2, as described in the Study Plan. Further support and advice is available to help you make an informed decision about your education and future career. If you have any queries, please speak to an adviser.
Arts, Humanities, Music and Language module options (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 module options (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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- Technology-enhanced learning: foundations and futures (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 2023 |
- 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 2023 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
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 module options (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 2022 |
- 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 FINAL |
- 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 FINAL |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 |
|
- 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 |
|
- 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 2023 |
- 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 |
Oct 2022 |
- 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 2022 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 FINAL |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
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)
| Modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- The role of the human resource professional (B810) NEW
This module provides an introduction to the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 |
- Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815) NEW
This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and investments, providing a basis for developing specialist financial expertise.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 |
- Research methods for finance (B860)
This module introduces the principles of research, its process, philosophy, and methodology; and you'll develop competences in applying statistical and econometric techniques to problems in finance. See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 FINAL |
- Employment relations and employee engagement (B866)
This module explores employment relations strategies in national and international contexts and the associated impacts on employee engagement, as well as the management of change, diversity and conflict. See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 FINAL |
- Workplace learning and coaching and mentoring (B867)
This module explores learning and talent development at strategic and operational levels and provides an opportunity to develop coaching and mentoring skills.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 FINAL |
- Exploring legal meaning (W820)
This module looks at different legal research methods, including doctrinal, socio-legal and comparative, to see how they can be used to explore the place and meaning of law in the modern world.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 |
- Exploring the boundaries of international law (W821)
This module examines the complexities of twenty-first century international law by exploring the evolving role and function of international law in the modern world.
See full description
|
30 |
May 2023 |
- Business, human rights law and corporate social responsibility (W822)
This module examines the nature of corporate commitment to principles of corporate social responsibility in different contexts and its inter-relationship with human rights law.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B863 and B865.
Further professional development module options (Group 5)
| 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 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
- 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 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 whole-system change, equipping you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change.
See full description
|
30 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 |
Nov 2022 |
- 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 2022 |
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.
EXAMPLE ROUTES THROUGH THE QUALIFICATION
The following example routes through the qualification and corresponding (hypothetical) student ‘profiles’ are provided here for guidance.
Student A
38-year old Museum Curator who has a bachelors degree in Fine Art and is taking this route through the qualification to deepen their historical understanding, increase their application of knowledge in their professional environment, and to develop their career prospects.
180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Student B
45-year old Deputy Head Teacher who holds a bachelors degree in History and has over a decade of professional teaching experience at a secondary school, whose educational aims, linked to career development, are to develop their understanding of children and youth, online education and leadership skills.
180 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare
Student C
54-year old Journalist who holds a bachelors degree in English and Politics with more than 25 years of professional experience, who is taking this route through the qualification for career and personal development.
120 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language
Plus 30 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options
Student D
32-year old Human Resource Manager who holds a bachelors degree in Psychology, whose educational aims are to deepen their level of subject knowledge, academic skills and educational awareness to support and develop their professional career.
120 credits from Group 2 – Education, Psychology and Health Science
Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you either our Master of Arts Open or Master of Science Open. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA Open (Open) or MSc Open (Open) after your name.
If your masters degree is awardable with a distinction or a merit, the qualification regulations explain how you can achieve these.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification