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)
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 Register
|
60 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- Understanding children's development and learning (ED841)
Examines children’s development and learning in cultural, educational and social contexts and how children shape their own development through meaningful interaction with others.
See full description Register
|
60 |
05 Oct 2019 FINAL |
- 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 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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.
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|
60 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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.
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|
60 |
03 Feb 2020 |
- 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.
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|
60 |
01 Feb 2020 |
- 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.
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|
60 |
25 Jan 2020 |
- 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.
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|
60 |
05 Oct 2019 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules H800, E805, H810, E807, E854, E855, E891, ET821, 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 2019 |
- 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 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 Register
|
30 |
01 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.
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|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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.
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|
30 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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.
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|
30 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- Applied complex variables (M828)
M828 covers a range of techniques which are basic tools for applied mathematics, and which have a basis in complex variable theory.
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|
30 |
05 Oct 2019 FINAL |
- 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 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- Molecules in medicine (S807)
This module introduces how medicinal chemistry and a molecular understanding of disease can be used to design drugs to treat different disease states and conditions.
See full description Register
|
60 |
25 Jan 2020 FINAL |
- 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 |
25 Jan 2020 |
- 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.
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|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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.
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|
30 |
01 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.
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|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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 2019 |
- 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 2019 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- Managing research in the workplace (B865)
This module provides students with an introduction to research skills in order for them to complete a live, work-related research project. See full description Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
02 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 Register
|
30 |
02 Nov 2019 |
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 |
02 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 Register
|
30 |
02 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 Register
|
15 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
15 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- Management beyond the mainstream (BB847)
This module looks at some important limitations of mainstream management thinking and explores a variety of alternatives to it – some longstanding, some recently developed.
See full description Register
|
15 |
02 Nov 2019 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 Register
|
15 |
02 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
05 Oct 2019 |
- 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 |
04 Apr 2020 |
- 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 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.
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|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 |
- 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 Register
|
30 |
01 May 2020 |
- Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
Enables postgraduate students to take a learning approach to managing change in complex and problematic situations, using systems ideas and their own and other perspectives. See full description Register
|
30 |
01 Nov 2019 FINAL |
- 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 Nov 2019 |
- 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 |
02 Nov 2019 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules H809, T835, T840, T846, T862, T889, TU811, 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
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 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 20th March 2019.
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.