MSc in Systems Thinking in Practice

This MSc has the development of holistic thinking skills and an appreciation of multiple perspectives at its core. Systems thinking skills are relevant in many different areas. For example, business, engineering, environment, development, health, IT management, and organisation change. Gain insights into the ways other people think about situations. Learn how to apply concepts, tools and techniques developed by systems thinkers. Develop your own ways of thinking in practice, and become aware of how you can act to bring about improvements in complex situations.

Key features of the course

• Offers you the choice of a research route or a professional route.
• Both routes develop essential skills for addressing systems thinking issues systematically in your own context and extend your knowledge of recent research and research methods.
• Concludes with either a substantial piece of independent study on a topic of professional interest to you or a more academic in-depth research project.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

Course details

Before choosing your option modules, read the descriptions carefully – they may have additional entry requirements. The choice is extensive, from engineering to health and social care, reflecting the professional interests of our students.

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1 (120 credits)

60 credits from:

• Making strategy with systems thinking in practice (TB871)
• Managing change with systems thinking in practice (TB872)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules TU811 and TU812.

60 credits from:

• Manufacture materials design (T805)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Technology innovation management (TB801)
• Managing for sustainability (T867)
• Making environmental decisions (T891)
• Information security (M811)
• Digital forensics (M812)
• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)
• Project management (M815)
• Data management (M816)
• Network security (T828)
• Advanced networking (CCNA Enterprise) (T829)
• Global development in practice (D890)
• Understanding global development (DD870)
• Managing in a changing world (B870)
• Creating and sustaining value (B872)
• Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815) NEW
• Sustainable creative management (BB842)
• Entrepreneurship in context (BB851)
• Leadership and management of public services (BB852)
• Contemporary issues in organisations (BB853)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Advance your independent learning (YXM830)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B716, B820, B821, B822, B823, B825, B856, B857, B858, BB835, BB844, BB845, BB846, BB847, BB848, BZA820, BZA821, BZA825, BZR820, BZR821, BZR823, BZR825, BZT820, BZT821, BZT822, BZT825, BZX820, BZX821, BZX822, BZX823, BZX825, H807, H808, S808, T826, T827, T835, T837, T839, T840, T846, T848, T850, T851, T852, T853, T860, T861, T862, T863, T877, T878, T879, T882, T883, T889, T890, T894, TD866, TM893, TU870, TU871, TU872, TU875, TUXX870, TUXX871, TUXX872, TUXX875, TXX863 and UYL810

Stage 2 (60 credits)

You will choose either:

• a research route
• a professional route

Research route

60 credits from:

• Research project (T802)

Professional route

60 credits from:

• The MSc professional project (T847)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T842

Plus another 30 credits from the Stage 1 modules

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.