​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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 six track options,  Bachelor of Science in Graphic and Multimedia Design/Technology (GMDT), and a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Forensics. The ITC BA Programme and the MSc programme are validated by the Open University (OU), UK. Thus upon graduation, the student will receive a dual degree (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 quality of these awards is of the same standards as those offered at comparable Universities in the UK.

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 Computer (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 (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: 

•  ​ 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…
• ​ Networking​ & 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.​
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  Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  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. Artificial Intelligence graduates have a broad range of career opportunities as Applications Developer, AI Data Analyst/Engineer, Applied Machine Learning Engineer, Big Data Engineer/Architect • Business Intelligence Developer, Cloud Computing Engineer, Computational Linguist, Computer vision engineer, Security Analyst Engineer, etc.....   

  
  
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Data Science (DS)

Data Science has been hailed as the topmost profession 21st Century. Therefore, 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, analyze and understand trends in data, which is a requirement of profession in reputable companies. Data Science graduates have a broad range of career opportunities as Data analyst, Data engineer, Data scientist, Machine learning engineer, Applications architect, Enterprise architect, Data architect, Business Intelligence (BI), developer, Statistician, Business analyst, Network design, development and maintenance, Storage management, Big data analytics, etc...   

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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] Cyber Security and Forensics – (MSc Degree)    [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 Cyber 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 Information Security and digital forensics fields. Students in this programme will develop a wide range of skills and competencies related to Cyber security, digital forensics and network security that will prepare them for a variety of career opportunities. Graduates can progress to work in cyber-fighting agencies (whether local, regional and international). But the career opportunity is not limited to those agencies with the huge demand in industry for professionals with both digital forensics and information security skills especially with the rise of cyber-security threats and attacks.