Science, technology and maths Access module

This 30-week Access module offers a gentle introduction to Open University study and is ideal if you're returning to learning or exploring an interest in STEM subjects. You'll cover topics such as science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics and computing and IT through a mix of theory and practical experiments. It’s a great way to refresh your skills and prepare for future study. A fast-track version is also available, where you’ll study the same subjects with the same tutor support, but with a bit of extra commitment, you’ll complete the module in just 18 weeks.

Choose to study an Access module if you:

• want to gradually build up to university-level study with the OU
• would like learning materials prepared with new learners in mind 
• need time to decide your future study plans while developing your study skills.

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

The module is divided into three blocks:

Block 1: Life

Block 1, which you will study in print, starts with biology and ecological ideas and uses varied examples to describe interrelationships between plants, animals and the wider environment while developing your study skills. You will learn about the unique role of humans, and explore how we have changed the environment to suit our needs through farming or conservation. You’ll consider how we can tell what effect current lifestyles have on the environment by introducing the ecological footprint model and look at sustainable living and how we can conserve declining species and habitats. This block also introduces key mathematical ideas and you will learn techniques to help you tackle everyday mathematical problems.  

Block 2: Water

Water is essential for life and fundamental to what we do. In Block 2 you will move to online study where you’ll investigate how water has shaped our planet and our lives. You will learn and develop skills that will aid your understanding and use of a variety of tools used in science. You will also access The Open University Library and the wide variety of materials that this can offer. You will investigate the presence of water in potatoes and how water is required for yeast to respire in some home experiments, and through these home experiments, learn about how we can use experimental data to develop and refine hypotheses. Underpinning this is some essential mathematics and further computing skills to develop your study of science, technology and mathematics.

Block 3: Home

Block 3, which continues online, introduces you to the subjects of design, engineering and computing around the central concept of home. You'll find out how homes are designed, and can be designed better, through the use of engineering and computing. Block 3 is a practical block where you will complete a number of design, engineering, and computing activities and experiments. You’ll also be introduced to an online design studio where you will keep a portfolio of the work you do. You’ll also continue to learn mathematics and IT skills to support your developing knowledge of some computing and engineering concepts.

During the module, you will encounter three Student Choice weeks. These weeks give you an opportunity to think about your future study or career options, hone some of your study skills or find out about the OU student community. You could also choose to spend the week learning about a subject that interests you on OpenLearn, or you could simply use the time to catch up or have a well-earned break.

The module includes multimedia material and a website with further study materials and resources as well as online quizzes and interactive exercises to help test your understanding. 

As you study this module you will build your confidence and develop your study skills, including:

• reading and interpreting information
• producing written communications
• time management and organisational skills
• problem solving.

You will also have the opportunity to gain skills such as working with audio and video material, using online forums and searching the internet for information. This experience will provide you with a gentle introduction to using a computer to support your study, and will equip you with the basic IT skills you will need for the next step in your studies.

Towards the end of the module you will have the opportunity to participate in activities which will help you to make decisions about your future study plans.

Entry requirements

No special knowledge or previous experience is required.

You can study our Science, technology and maths Access module on a standalone basis, or to prepare for your OU qualification. We know that students who start with an Access module are more likely to succeed with their next modules. Choosing to study Access as an extra module at the start of your learning journey with us is well worth the investment of your time.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, or would like help registering, you can speak to an adviser by calling +44 (0)300 303 0069 or you can book a call back.

The study materials have been prepared with the needs of new learners in mind, so it’s great if you’re a beginner or returning to study. You’ll use your general knowledge and interests to gradually build up to university-level study. This module will develop key study skills such as time management, note taking, reading for study purposes and reflection on your own learning.

This module is only available if you live in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Ireland, or if you have a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address.

What's included

You'll have access to a module website, which includes:

• a week-by-week study planner
• course-specific module materials
• audio and video content
• assignment details and submission section

You'll also be provided with a printed module book, a calculator and calculator booklet, a study planner, an assessment guide and a practicals booklet that covers the home experiments taken on this module.

Digital copies (PDFs and web versions) of most study materials, and transcripts of the video and audio material can be found on the website.

You will need

You will require access to a phone, a digital camera (or camera on a smartphone) and the use of a computer with internet access. 

The module includes some simple home experiments which will require access to some basic kitchen and other equipment, including (but not restricted to): a ruler; a kitchen weighing scale; a 1 litre measuring jug; various household items e.g. tinned food; a clock or watch; dried lasagne sheets, potatoes, sugar and yeast. If you are unable to undertake the experiments we will provide alternative ways to enable you to take part in the experiment.

Computing requirements

• Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
• Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
• Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
• Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
• Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
• Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You will have a tutor who will keep in touch by a combination of phone and email. There are no face-to-face tutorials; all tutorials are conducted between you and your tutor, and these conversations provide lots of opportunities for your tutor to get to know you and make sure their support is personalised to meet your needs. You may have an opportunity to experience a group tutorial and use online rooms later in the module. Your tutor will help you to plan your work and to think about the ideas explored in the module. Your tutor will also comment on and help you with your written work. At the end of the module you will discuss your progress with your tutor, and you will work together to review your learning.

Assessment

You do not have to sit an examination for this module. Assessment consists of short written assignments (TMAs):

• TMA stands for Tutor Marked Assignment. There are four TMAs for this module. Your tutor will give you constructive written feedback to develop your study skills and confidence, and a score.

The study materials give you lots of support and practice, and detailed feedback from your tutor will help to develop your study skills and to build your confidence. You’ll submit most of your assignments online through our eTMA system – the Assessment Guide gives full details.