​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The BSc (Hons) Information Technology and Computing (ITC) programme is being offered by the Faculty of Information Technology and Computing (FITC) at the Arab Open University (AOU) since the year 2002. This programme is offered by AOU in partnership with the Open University (OU), UK. Presently, the ITC programme is offered to students in 8 Middle Eastern country branches including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Sudan. The ITC programme is a validated programme, it was initially validated in the year 2003 and it has been revalidated twice, in the year 2007 and again in the year 2012, by the Open University Validation Services (OUVS), UK (currently known as the Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships (CICP).The structure of the 360 points of core courses is based on the OU, UK program structure for an honors degree and the majority of the core courses have been licensed from our partner institute i.e. the OU, UK. Hence the contents of the majority of our core courses have been developed by the OU, UK and these courses have also been validated at the OU, UK itself.​​

Philosophy:

The FCS philosophy is to keep its programmes up-to-date with the latest technical advancements, satisfying the relevant market/employer needs. In addition, the AOU, in general,​ is keen to keep its programmes revalidated from the OU, UK to provide our students with extra international recognition to maximize their employability possibilities. 

In Brief:

The Information Technology and Computing (ITC) programme has been designed and developed to provide a high-quality programme of study to students at the Faculty of Computer Studies (FCS), Arab Open University (AOU). The design and development of this programme have taken into consideration the guidelines provided by professional standard bodies, including the QAA, UK (QAA2016) and the curriculum guidelines of ACM-IEEE 2013 in addition to the up-to-date prospectus of the Computing and Information Technology provided by the Open University-UK.  This programme is composed of five pathways as follows: 

       ​1- Program Name: Information Technology and Computing (ITC)​ 4​

• ​ Information Technology and Computing (ITC)
​ Network & Security (N&S)
     This pathway provides students with opportunities to study specialized topics related to Networking and Security, including study of CISCO Networking, Advanced Networking, Applied Network Security, Communication Technology and Changing Work Environments and Flexible working arrangements.
      Networking and Security graduates should expect a rewarding career as Cybersecurity technologist, network specialist, network administrator/ manager, network analyst, security analyst, etc…  
​ Computing with Business (CwB)
           This pathway is a good blend of Computing and Business concepts, and students will acquire knowledge about important topics, including Object-Oriented Programming, Data Management, and Analysis, Web Mobile and Cloud Technologies, Business Opportunities and Strategic Management.
      Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a software developer, application programmer, database administrator, business analyst, Business intelligence specialist, e-commerce specialist, IT project manager.​​            ​
​ Diploma Information Technology & Computing
      The Information Technology and Computing (ITC) Programme offers a comprehensive education that combines both theoretical principles and practical skills essential for success in the fast-paced world of technology. This programme provides students with a deep understanding of computing fundamentals, software development, network management, and data analysis, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse challenges of the IT industry. The ITC curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling graduates to innovate and adapt in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Students will gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and methodologies, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in sectors such as software development, cybersecurity, systems administration, and IT consultancy.
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2- Program Name: Cyber Security (2)​​​​


• ​ ​BSc ​(Hons) Cyber Security​

        Cyber Security is concerned of all the technologies and practices that keep computer systems and electronic data safe. And, as more and more of our business and social lives are online, it’s an enormous and growing field. Accordingly, offering Cyber Security programme is considered attractive to many educational explorers and industries. The Cyber Security programme directly addresses the key challenges in Cyber Security and cover the skills gap in the market. This programme is directly contributing to positioning the University as the premier employment- focused and research informed institution, thus allowing the University to make a positive impact on the economy, society and culture of the MENA region and beyond through innovation and engagement.​ ​.
• ​ ​​Diploma in Cyber Security​​

        Cyber Security encompasses all the technologies and practices aimed at safeguarding computer systems and electronic data. As our business and social lives increasingly migrate online, Cyber Security has become a vast and rapidly growing field. Consequently, offering a Cyber Security programme is highly attractive to many educational enthusiasts and industries alike. The Cyber Security programme directly tackles the key challenges within the field and addresses the skills gap prevalent in the market. By doing so, it contributes significantly to establishing the University as a leading institution focused on employment readiness and research excellence. This programme empowers the University to make a positive impact on the economy, society, and culture of the MENA region and beyond, through innovation and engagement.​
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3- Program Name:  Artificial Intelligence (2)

• ​BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence 

       Artificial Intelligence Programme provides a strong theoretical infrastructure, along with deep technical focus to ensure that graduates have the right combination of theoretical background  and technical ability. This unique combination of theoretical knowledge and technical  capabilities are equipped to enjoy significant rewards in the world’s most challenging industry. Professionals working in the software industry at large bring many kinds of expertise to their work environment. The aim of the AI Programme is to equip the student with the knowledge and skills he/she will need to take part in software related industry.
  
        
  ​ ​Diploma in Artificial Intelligence​​

        The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programme provides a robust theoretical foundation combined with a deep technical focus to ensure that graduates possess the ideal blend of theoretical knowledge and technical skills. This unique combination equips graduates to excel and achieve significant rewards in one of the world’s most challenging and dynamic industries. Professionals in the software industry bring diverse expertise to their work environments. The AI Programme aims to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively contribute to the software industry. By focusing on both theoretical understanding and practical application, this programme ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the AI field and related industries.



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4- Program Name: MSc in Computing (Cyber Security and Forensics) (2)​
• ​MSc in Computing (Cyber Security and Forensics)​ 

       The MSc in Computing is an intensive programme of study designed specifically for graduates of computing and related disciplines, and for those with appropriate industrial experience. The qualification enables the students to develop their knowledge and skills in computing and to promote a professional attitude to the application of those skills.
​ ​Postgraduate Diploma in Computing​(Cyber Security and Forensics)
      Cyber Security encompasses all the technologies and practices aimed at safeguarding computer systems and electronic data. As our business and social lives increasingly migrate online, Cyber Security has become a vast and rapidly growing field. Consequently, offering a Cyber Security programme is highly attractive to many educational enthusiasts and industries alike. The Cyber Security programme directly tackles the key challenges within the field and addresses the skills gap prevalent in the market. By doing so, it contributes significantly to establishing the University as a leading institution focused on employment readiness and research excellence. This programme empowers the University to make a positive impact on the economy, society, and culture of the MENA region and beyond, through innovation and engagement.
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