Piecing together a tangram
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2–3 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

MA/MSc Open

Course code: F81

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.

  • 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.
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2–3 years
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

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

As you’ll select from the modules and microcredentials listed below we’ve created a Study Plan to help you choose the route that best suits your professional needs or personal interests within the required time limit. The start and presentation dates of modules and microcredentials vary.

See 'Building your MA/MSc Open' below for more guidance, or contact an adviser to discuss your choices.

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 non-fiction and scriptwriting using practical writing, reading and research activities.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
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

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
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

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
MA Classical Studies part 1 (A868) NEW

You'll explore an interdisciplinary and changing field, discover new materials, and develop original ways of studying ancient evidence. 

See full description

Register
90 07 Sep 2024
MA History part 1 (A883)

Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. 

See full description

Register
90 07 Sep 2024
MA Music part 1 (A890) PLANNED
90 07 Sep 2024
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

Register
90 07 Sep 2024
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

Register
60 01 Feb 2025
Core concepts in linguistics (L804) PLANNED
60 05 Oct 2024

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A815, A825, A840, A850, A860, A863, A870 and A873.

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

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
Learning and teaching: educating the next generation (EE830)

This masters module will challenge you to think about what purposes of education could have and how education can be made fit for the future.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
Educational leadership: concepts, change and challenges (EE841) NEW

Explore educational leadership and management concepts, change, and challenges in local and global contexts.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
Equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice  (EE844) NEW

This module introduces contemporary issues in equity, inclusion and social justice in educational practice, including disability, gender, poverty and race.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
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 (TEL), teaching and training.

See full description

Register
60 03 Feb 2025
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 25 Jan 2025
Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)

This online module aims to equip you with 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 05 Oct 2024

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules E805, E807, E854, E855, E891, EE811, EE814, EE817, 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

Register
30 01 Nov 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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 05 Oct 2024
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 05 Oct 2024
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 No current presentation
Fractal geometry  (M835)

This module deals with the geometry of fractals, sets that are often very beautiful and contain copies of themselves at many different scales.

See full description

30 No current presentation
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 25 Jan 2025
Environmental science challenges (S831)
An opportunity to learn how to help address environmental problems whilst developing core skills directly relevant to employability and good citizenship.

See full description

Register
30 28 Sep 2024
Quantum and statistical mechanics of matter (SM880) PLANNED
30 05 Oct 2024
Finite element analysis: basic principles and applications (T808) NEW

Learn the basics of finite element modelling of components and materials under static and thermal stresses, and dynamic analysis using ANSYS software.

See full description

Register
30 01 Nov 2024
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

Register
30 01 May 2024
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

Register
30 01 Nov 2024
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 2024
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

Register
30 01 Nov 2024
Sustainable organisations: theory and practice (T892)

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

Register
30 01 May 2024

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M828, S807, S808, S825, T804, 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 introduces the various requirements of a human resource professional in an organisation.

See full description

Register
30 02 Nov 2024
Creating evidence-based value in people management  (B812)

This module explores evidence-based approaches to people management and will develop your ability to evaluate and apply evidence to people management decisions and policies.

See full description

Register
30 02 Nov 2024
Employment relations and employee engagement  (B813) NEW
Examine how employment relations and practices operate within changing economic, political and social contexts and at various levels.

See full description

Register
30 04 May 2024
Learning and development at work  (B814) NEW

This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.

See full description

Register
30 04 May 2024
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

Register
30 02 Nov 2024
Financial strategy and governance (B816)
Study the theoretical and analytical knowledge required to inform financial strategy and governance decisions within an organisation.

See full description

Register
30 04 May 2024
Research methods for finance (B817)

This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to understanding and planning empirical research in finance.

See full description

Register
30 02 Nov 2024
Derivatives and risk management (B819) NEW

This module explores financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and how they are managed by using derivatives like futures, swaps and options.

See full description

Register
30 04 May 2024
MA International relations part 1 (D818)

This module explores key dilemmas of interest to international relations, including international divisions, rising powers, security and global challenges, democratic crisis, and global ethical dilemmas.

See full description

Register
90 07 Sep 2024
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 2024
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 04 May 2024 FINAL
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 2024 FINAL

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859, B860, B861, B863, B865, B866 and B867.

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
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 04 May 2024
Supply chain management (BB849)

This module provides an 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 04 May 2024
Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)

This module will equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset and help you learn about entrepreneurship and different forms of entrepreneurial practice.

See full description

Register
15 02 Nov 2024
Leadership and management of public services (BB852)

In this 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 04 May 2024
Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)

This module will help you become a knowledge leader by demonstrating that you’re ahead of current organisational and business challenges.

See full description

Register
15 02 Nov 2024
Global development in practice (D890)

Engage with complex and contested processes, policies and practices involving global development and gain a clearer understanding of the role of development manager.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
Understanding global development (DD870)

This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
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

Register
30 01 May 2024
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 2024
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

Register
30 01 May 2024
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 2024
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

Register
30 01 Nov 2024
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

Register
30 05 Oct 2024

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  To be confirmed
Management of change: organisation development and design (BZFM802) 15 To be confirmed
Mentoring and coaching in professional learning (EZFM802) 15 To be confirmed
Developing educational leadership in practice (EZFM803) 15 To be confirmed
Online teaching: creating courses for adult learners1 (HZFM881) 15 To be confirmed
Online teaching: evaluating and improving courses (HZFM882) 15 To be confirmed
Mental health: working with children and young people (KZFM801) 15 To be confirmed
Agile leadership and management2 (TZVM850) 15 24 June 2024
Inclusive practice in education: supporting special educational needs2 (EZVM801) 15 To be confirmed
Enhance teaching practice in learning assessment and curriculum2 (EZVM804) 15 To be confirmed

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, TU872 and U810.

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.

2 These modules are presented on the OU’s learning platform and available for direct registration.

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

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 your qualification to your needs. Our Study Plan can help you identify which modules/microcredentials you want to study and the order you need to study them.

You can change your choices at any point during your studies. As we regularly review the curriculum, the availability of these courses is subject to change, so check the final presentation dates of the modules or microcredentials before planning out your qualification.

Here are a few examples of how you could build your MA/MSc Open. You can also talk over your choices with an adviser.

Route 1

This example shows how you could study 180 credits specialising within one broad study area by choosing all modules from one subject group.

180 credits from Group 1 – Art, Humanities, Music and Language

Modules Credits Next start
MA History part 1 (A883)

Explore society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland during either the early modern or modern period. 

See full description

Register
90 07 Sep 2024
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

Register
90 07 Sep 2024


Route 2 – Example 1

This shows how you could study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and complete your degree with up to 60 credits from another study area.

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 non-fiction and scriptwriting using practical writing, reading and research activities.

See full description

Register
60 05 Oct 2024
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

Register
60 05 Oct 2024

Plus 60 credits from Group 2 - Education, Psychology, Health Science and Healthcare

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 (TEL), teaching and training.

See full description

Register
60 03 Feb 2025


Route 2 – Example 2

This shows how you can study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area and up to 60 credits from Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.

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

Register
60 25 Jan 2025
Principles of social and psychological enquiry  (DD801)

This online module aims to equip you with 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 05 Oct 2024

Plus 60 credits from Group 5 Further professional development

Mentoring and coaching in professional learning2 (EZFM802) 15 11 Mar 2024 
Mental health: working with children and young people2 (KZFM801) 15 11 Mar 2024 
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

Register
30 05 Oct 2024
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.


Route 2 – Example 3

This shows how you can study a minimum of 120 credits specialising within one study area, plus up to 30 credits from another study area and up to 30 credits from Further professional development modules and/or microcredentials.

120 credits from Group 3 – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

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 2024
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 2024
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 2024
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

Register
30 01 Nov 2024

Plus 30 credits from Group 4 – Business, Finance, Human Resources and Law

Learning and development at work  (B814) NEW

This module covers organisational development; succession planning; career and talent development; and learning, training and development strategies and implementation.

See full description

Register
30 04 May 2024

Plus 30 credits from Group 5 – Further professional development

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

Register
30 01 May 2024

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

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.

Credit transfer

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. 


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 14 March 2023.

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 studyin 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 13 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

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, and 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.

Request your prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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