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 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, Music and Language module options (Group 1)
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A840, A850, A860, and A870.
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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
07 Feb 2022 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
29 Jan 2022 |
- 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 |
04 Sep 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 |
No current presentation |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
29 Jan 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- Network security (T828)
T828 presents the opportunity to jointly study the Cisco CCNA Security and Cyber Security Operations. You will explore information systems security management and secure internetworked systems.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
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 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
15 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
15 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
15 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- Leadership and management of public services (BB852) NEW
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 Register
|
15 |
01 May 2021 |
| Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853) PLANNED |
15 |
06 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
04 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
60 |
02 Oct 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
03 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- Technology and innovation management (TB801) NEW
The module examines innovation from a management perspective, enabling you to develop understanding of how you contribute to the process and management of technological innovation.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)
This module is about effecting whole-system change. Rather than passively accepting change, this module will equip you with skills to shape the nature and direction of change.
See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 FINAL |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2021 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Oct 2021 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules BB844, BB847, BB848, H809, H818, T835, T840, T846, T848, T862, T877, T878, T879, 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, Music and Language
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
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 60 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
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2020.
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.