MA/MSc Open

Description

Do you want the freedom to create a personalised course of study across a range of academic disciplines? Then our innovative MA/MSc Open is ideal. This programme allows you to choose from cross-curricular modules and microcredentials to create a unique postgraduate qualification suited to your interests. It enables you to expand your discipline-related knowledge at masters level, gain broader subject-specific expertise, and pursue further professional development in areas that align with your specific 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

Study across different subjects or 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
Include professional development modules or industry-endorsed microcredentials in your study

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.

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. 86% of graduate employers are interested in abilities rather than specific subjects studied, and the MA/MSc Open is an ideal way to showcase your abilities across a broad range of skills.

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 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)

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 nonfiction and scriptwriting, using practical writing, reading and research activities. See full description	60	Oct 2023
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 2023
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 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
MA Music part 1 (A873) This module introduces skills for studying musics from a wide range of times and places, as well as writing and other material relating to these musics. See full description	60	Oct 2023 FINAL
MA History part 1 (A883) Explore society, politics and culture in British and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. See full description	90	Sep 2023
MA English Literature part 1 (A893) You will be introduced to the study of literature ‘in the world’ across three broad themes: ‘the Popular’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘the Global’. See full description	90	Sep 2023
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 2024

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)

Modules	Credits	Next start
The role of the human resource professional (B810) This module provides an introduction to the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation. See full description	30	Nov 2023
Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815) This module covers the core areas of corporate finance and investments, providing a basis for developing specialist financial expertise. See full description	30	Nov 2023
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 2023
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 2023

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.

Download MA/MSc Study Plan

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

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 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
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 2024

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

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

Oct 2023 FINAL

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

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 2024
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 2023

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.

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/microcredentials 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.

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