Faculty of Computer Studies

The Faculty of Computer Studies (FCS) at the Arab Open University (AOU) offers leading-edge programmes of study in the most in-demand fields through UnderGraduate and PostGraduate programmes. Currently, FCS offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing (ITC) with eight-track options, Bachelor of Science in Graphic and Multimedia Design/Technology (GMD/T) and a Master of Science in Information Security and Forensics. The ITC Programme and the MSc programme are in partnership with the Open University (OU), UK. These two are validated programmes of study and they provide students with opportunities to obtain dual degrees (i.e., one from the AOU and the dual one from the OU, UK). By virtue of being validated programmes, the FCS has a team of External Examiners from reputed UK Universities to ensure that the quality of these awards is of the same standards as those offered at comparable Universities in the UK. Since the FCS at AOU operates in 9 county branches (i.e., Kuwait, KSA, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Sudan, and Palestine), therefore, please check with your Local branch to ascertain the programmes of study that are being offered in your branch.

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.

Offered Programmes

1] Information Technology and Computing (ITC) – (BSc. Degree) [Validated by OU]

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 (QAA2019) 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:

Information Technology and Computing (ITC)
Students will acquire knowledge and key skills about important topics in the field of ITC, including Communication and Information Technologies, Object-Oriented Programming, Software Engineering, Data Management, and Analysis.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a software developer, database administrator, systems analyst, system designer, software engineer, information systems operator etc.
Computer Science (CS)
Through the study of this pathway, the students will gain in-depth knowledge about the key Computer Science areas such as Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Graphics and Multimedia, Data Management and Analysis, Changing Work Environments and Flexible working arrangements and Artificial Intelligence.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as System programmer, Game AI programmer, software developer, database administrator, application programmer, data analyst, java programmer, expert system developer, etc…
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…
Web Development (WD)
This important pathway enables students to undertake study of specialized topics related to Web Development including, Changing Work Environments and Flexible working arrangements, Object-Oriented Programming, Web Technologies, Algorithms and Data Structures, Mobile and Cloud Technologies and Interaction Design and User Experience.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a cloud associate professional, mobile and internet associate professional, web developer, web specialist, web designer, e-commerce manager, 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.
Cyber Security (CyS) [Also offered as an independent programme]
The aim of the CyS pathway is to provide the student with a rigorous foundation of cyber security, tools and applications that a Cyber-Security expert needs. Further, it prepares students for a variety of in-demand information technology careers, dedicated to securing vulnerable data and information and stopping cyberattacks in the digital environment. Further, it engages students in the challenges and problems associated with assuring information, confidentiality and integrity (e.g., social, economic, technology-related, and policy issues), as well as the strengths and weaknesses of various methods for assessing and mitigating associated risk.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a Cyber Security Analyst, Penetration and vulnerability tester, Cyber security manager/ administrator, Cyber security architect, Security Auditor, Chief Security Officer, Computer Forensics Investigator, Cryptographer, Cyber Security Risk Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Threat Manager /Responder, Cyber Software Developer.
Data Science (DS) [Also offered as an independent programme]
Data Science has been hailed as the topmost profession 21st Century. FCS adopted DS pathway because data has a massive exponential increase, and so, it is considered as the fuel that drives industries. Now Big Data has revolutionized companies and has given them an edge in competition. Data Science pathway enables students to handle, manage, analyse and understand trends in data, which is a requirement of profession in reputable companies.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a Data analyst, Data scientist, Business analyst- data science, Python developer (data scientist), R developer (data scientist), Big data analytics, Financial sector including banking.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) [Also offered as an independent programme]
The aim of the pathway is to provide the student with a rigorous foundation of Artificial Intelligence, tools and applications that an Artificial Intelligence expert needs. Further, it prepares students for a variety of in-demand information technology careers, dedicated to professional working in software. The aim of the AI pathway is to equip the student with the knowledge and skills s/he will need to take part in AI-software related industry.
Graduates of this pathway have a broad range of career opportunities as a Applications Developer, AI Data Analyst/Engineer, Applied Machine Learning Engineer, Computational Linguist, Computer vision engineer, Embedded Machine Learning Engineer, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Developer.

2] Graphic and Multimedia Design/Technology – (BSc Degree)

The Graphic and Multimedia Design/Technology programme is an AOU programme. It provides the students with essential knowledge and skills about the important field of Multimedia and Computer Graphics. Graduates of this program will be able to undertake web design and development projects involving advanced multimedia and graphics capabilities. Students will be able to apply their artistic and creativity skills towards developing computer graphic projects involving creativity and elegance. Students will be able to evaluate and select the appropriate design techniques and technological tools applicable for real-world projects. Graduates of this programme will acquire the required skills to embed advanced multimedia and graphics capabilities for mobile devices. Graduates of this programme have a broad range of potential career opportunities in the professional sectors of image production, based on the execution of projects in the field of audiovisual, motion picture, television, photography, theatre and multimedia.

3] MSc in Computing (Cyber Security and Forensics) [Validated by OU]

The MSc in Cyber Security and Forensics has been developed in collaboration with our partner institution, the Open University UK (OU UK). The need for information security and forensics analysts in the Arab countries is continuously increasing, and thus the career outlook for graduates looks positive, as there is a shortage of skilled personnel in both the Cyber Security and digital forensics fields. Students in this programme will develop a wide range of skills and competencies related to Cyber Security and digital forensics career opportunities. Graduates can progress to work in cyber-fighting agencies (whether local, regional or international). But the career opportunity is not limited to those agencies with the huge demand in the industry for professionals with both digital forensics and information security skills especially with the rise of cyber-security threats and attacks.