There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study, we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success
This course has three starts:
Advanced start
The advanced start is suitable if you have an A level or Scottish Higher qualification in mathematics or physics (or equivalent). This start includes OU level 2 modules in Stage 1.
The advanced start begins with Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) and Physics and space (SM123):
Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.
The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):
Note: S111 will develop your mathematical skills and help you prepare for MST124.
Basic maths start
We recommend the basic maths start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study.
The basic maths start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part-time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
You can complete your studies in six years part-time and three years full-time. However, your last module (SXP390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your BSc (Honours) Physics as an entry qualification.
Your study intensity options in Stage 1 depend on which start you choose.
Standard start
You must begin MST124 before MST125 or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study S111 or SM123, although we recommend beginning SM123 after S111 or MST124.
Basic maths start
You cannot complete Stage 1 in one year. You must finish MU123 before you begin MST124. If you begin MU123 in either October or February, the earliest you may begin MST124 is the following October.
You must also begin MST124 before MST125 or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study SM123, although we recommend beginning it after MST124.
Advanced start
If you choose MST125, you must begin MST124 first or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study M140 or SM123, although we recommend beginning SM123 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study S283 or S284. However, we recommend beginning them after MST124 or SM123.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
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.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market – such as analytical, numerical and communication skills, team working, problem solving and proficiency in using computers. You’ll also have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie, and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.
Employers also look for evidence of experience of the workplace to support the skills gained through the degree. To succeed, graduates will need to be flexible and multi-skilled, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. An online personal development tool has been created to help with self-reflection and to build evidence of the skills and competencies that you have developed during your studies to help achieve your future aspirations.
Career relevance
Physics graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for physics study is relevant to a wide range of private and public sector employment, so physics graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Growth areas are predicted to be energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).
Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, universities and others – in roles such as:
- analysis and diagnostics
- computer programming and modelling
- data analysis and processing
- information management
- medical physicist
- product design and development
- research and investigation
- scientific sales
- teaching (physics is a shortage subject at secondary school level, so there may be incentives to train as a physics or maths teacher).
Accreditation
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- aerospace engineer
- astrophysicist
- computer programmer
- data analyst
- geophysicist
- medical physicist
- meteorologist
- nuclear engineer
- renewable energy specialist
- patent attorney
- physicist
- science communicator
- science teacher
- software engineer
- university lecturer.