Computing and IT

Computing and Information Technology is the foundation to modern society and business. In this subject area we include specialism in computer science, digital technologies, networking, software development and web development.

Our range of Computing and IT qualifications can be found in our online prospectus

Meet some of our Academics

Helen Sharp, Professor of Software Engineering takes us behind the scenes in the OU’s IT department to talk about her research into software development. She works with industry partners to identify some of the challenges in software design, both for the software developers and end users.

Arosha Bandara, Professor of Software Engineering and his colleagues work in cyber security and human behaviour - investigating ways of building security and privacy into the systems that are an integral part of our everyday lives. He demonstrates the Privacy Band, a device developed at the OU to help people manage their privacy more effectively in a world that combines cyber-physical-social systems.

Teaching underpinned by research

The Open University doesn’t just teach: it’s a global leader in research and innovation too, with OU research and development ranking in the top third of UK universities. The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has a long and distinguished record of conducting high quality, internationally leading research. These researchers contribute to our state of the art curriculum material ensuring our teaching is up to date, informed by scientific research.

You can get a flavour of our published research in the Computing and IT through our Open Research Online (ORO) website

Meet some of our Students

Open University worked really well because it is flexible and I could do it in my evenings and weekends. I started a career in IT and wanted to have the background knowledge to help me do my job really. I’ve worked for McLaren Cars, Virgin Media, Ministry of Defence and I now work as a computer programmer for RSM Tennon and I know in each of my interviews they’ve been really impressed, with my own commitment to study as well - so it has really helped.
Hanna Wood
BSc (Hons) IT & Computing.