MA/MSc Open

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.

How long does it take?

2–3 years
Read more about how long it takes

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 email the Programme Admissions Team.

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

Route 1: You can study 180 credits and specialise within one of the following broadly related study areas:

Arts, Humanities and Language (Group 1)
Education, Psychology and Health Science (Group 2)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Group 3)
Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law (Group 4)

Route 2: You can choose to study 120 credits, specialising within one study area (as above) 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 and Language module options (Group 1)

Modules	Credits	Next start
MA Art History part 1 (A843) This first part of the MA will teach you the research methodologies and theoretical concepts of Art History. See full description	60	Oct 2020
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 2020
MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802) This online module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting, using practical writing, reading and research activities. See full description	60	Oct 2020
MA English part 1 (A815) Expand on your previous study and prepare for your dissertation through an exploration of a rich variety of literary texts, from the ancient past to the present. See full description	120	Oct 2020 FINAL
MA History part 1 (A825) Explore British and Irish histories from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries and increase your understanding of a range of key approaches to studying history. See full description	120	Oct 2020 FINAL
MA Philosophy part 1 (A853) This module introduces you to graduate-level philosophy through studying the beauty of nature; a classic text – Plato’s Meno; the nature of consciousness; and issues around global justice. See full description	60	Oct 2020
Introduction to translation theory and practice (L801) This module explores different approaches to translation and you will develop an understanding of the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of translation. See full description	60	Feb 2021

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A840, A850, A860, A870 and A873.

Please be aware that the following modules represent foundation modules within the same subject area: 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 and Health Science 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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2021
Openness and innovation in elearning (H817) With an emphasis on exploring innovation, you will look at both the latest developments in educational tools and current debates around the concept of openness. See full description	60	Feb 2021 FINAL
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 2021
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 2020

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E805, E807, E854, E855, E891, ED841, ET821, H800, H810, 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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
Analytic number theory 1 (M823) This entry-level pure mathematics module introduces several concepts from number theory, and culminates in a proof of Dirichlet's theorem on prime numbers in arithmetic progressions. See full description	30	Oct 2020
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) Advanced mathematical methods using the algebraic computing language Maple. Perturbation expansions, accelerated convergence, Padé approximations, asymptotic expansions, eigenvalue problems, 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	Oct 2020
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 2021
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 2020
Manufacture, materials design (T805) Introducing materials processing from the perspective of a design engineer, this module explores how to make components, focusing on the interactions between manufacturing, materials and design. See full description	30	May 2020
Network security (T828) T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and CCNA Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems. See full description	30	Nov 2020
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 2020
Making environmental decisions (T891) T891 ‘Making Environmental Decisions’ 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	May 2020

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
Introduction to corporate finance (B858) This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and is the basis for developing specialist financial expertise. See full description	30	Nov 2020
Financial strategy: valuation, governance and ethics (B859) This module provides the theoretical and analytical knowledge required in making financial policy decisions, exploring issues such as ethics and introducing Islamic finance. See full description	30	May 2020
Research methods for finance (B860) This module introduces the principles of research; its process, philosophy and methodology. You'll develop competences in applying statistical and econometric techniques to problems in finance. See full description	30	Nov 2020
The human resource professional (B863) This module provides an introduction to the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation. See full description	30	Nov 2020
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 2020
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 2020
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 2020 FINAL
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 2020
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 2020 FINAL

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module 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 2020
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 2020
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 2020
Marketing in the 21st century (BB844) This module explores the issues that emerge from marketing planning and uses current theories and examples to show how organisations deal with environmental challenges. See full description	15	May 2020 FINAL
Leadership and management in intercultural contexts (BB848) This module examines the conceptions of leadership and management in different cultures and the expectations these raise in different cultural settings. See full description	15	May 2020
The networked practitioner (H818) This module enables you to experience producing a project and resources related to online and distance education and then improving them through engagement with others in peer reflection. See full description	30	Oct 2020 FINAL
The critical researcher: educational technology in practice (H819) Using examples including popular and social media, you will critically evaluate educational technology research and cutting-edge innovations, and be able to apply these findings to your own practices. See full description	30	Apr 2021 FINAL
Project management (M815) Postgraduate module for aspiring project managers and practicing project managers who wish to develop their knowledge and skills of managing technological projects. APM accredited. See full description	30	May 2020
Managing technological innovation (T848) This module explores the processes that underpin technological innovation an understanding of which is crucial whether you are a user or producer of technological innovation. See full description	30	May 2020
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 2020
Managing for sustainability (T867) This module will increase your understanding of delivering and supporting sustainability management in your workplace or support your personal interest in this subject. See full description	30	May 2020
Development: context and practice (T877) This module provides a conceptual framework for analysing the complex, contested contexts in which development takes place, and a critical analysis of development management practice. See full description	30	May 2020 FINAL
Capacities for managing development (T878) This module builds the competence and confidence to manage development, local and global, more effectively, and bring about greater social equality and justice. See full description	30	May 2020
Conflict and development (T879) Combining theoretical concepts with practical tools, this module explores the causes of conflict, the impact conflicts have on development, and actions that can help mitigate conflicts. See full description	30	Nov 2020 FINAL
Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) NEW 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 2020
Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872) PLANNED	30	Nov 2020
Institutional development (TU872) This module analyses institutions, identifies their significance for development, examines how to build inter-organisational relationships, and explores the skills of mapping, modelling, negotiation and brokering. See full description	30	May 2020
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 2020
Advance your independent learning (YXM830) NEW This flexible module guides you through an in-depth exploration of a topic of your choice and enables you to construct a rigorously researched personal answer. See full description	30	Oct 2020

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB847, H809, T835, T840, T846, T862, T889, TU811, TU812, TU870 and TU871.

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 and Language

Modules	Credits	Next start
MA Art History part 1 (A843) This first part of the MA will teach you the research methodologies and theoretical concepts of Art History. See full description	60	Oct 2020
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 2020
Introduction to translation theory and practice (L801) This module explores different approaches to translation and you will develop an understanding of the wider cultural, ethical and professional contexts of translation. See full description	60	Feb 2021

Student B

45-year old Deputy Head Teacher who holds a bachelors degree in History and has ten years 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 and Health Science

Modules	Credits	Next start
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 2021
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 2020
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 2020

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 and Language

Modules	Credits	Next start
MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802) This online module is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and scriptwriting, using practical writing, reading and research activities. See full description	60	Oct 2020
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 2020

Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options

The critical researcher: educational technology in practice (H819) Using examples including popular and social media, you will critically evaluate educational technology research and cutting-edge innovations, and be able to apply these findings to your own practices. See full description	30	Apr 2021 FINAL
Continuing professional development in 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 2020

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

Modules	Credits	Next start
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 2021
Principles of social and psychological enquiry (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 2020

Plus 60 credits from Group 5 - Further professional development module options

Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871) NEW 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 2020
Conflict and development (T879) Combining theoretical concepts with practical tools, this module explores the causes of conflict, the impact conflicts have on development, and actions that can help mitigate conflicts. See full description	30	Nov 2020 FINAL

To find modules not listed here, go to the Module search page.

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 successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded either a Master of Arts Open, entitling you to use the letters MA Open (Open) after your name or a Master of Science Open, entitling you to use the letters MSc Open (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony and collecting your award certificate there.

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.

Master of Arts Open and Master of Science Open

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

PG Postgraduate

Qualification facts

About this Taught Masters
Code	F81
Level	Postgraduate
Made up of	180 credits