Each discrete course is taken over one Open University academic year (February-October). We would expect students starting from scratch on the programme to take one course per year for three years, but if it is more convenient you can take a year or two off between courses without losing the credit points you have already gained, as long as you complete the programme within seven years of starting. Our tutoring arrangements mean that your studies need not be interrupted even if you change your job or move to a different part of the country or even to a different part of the world.
With the exception of the Project Module, the courses need not be studied in any particular order. You can choose the sequence and combination that suits you best. If you decide to take the Project Module, however, this would probably be your last course, and would build on the experience gained in earlier courses. You cannot start the Project Module until you have passed one of the taught courses.
To explore the full range of Science Courses, please search the Courses & Qualifications Directory. Alternatively, please use the menu on the left to view our Science Studies and Frontiers in Medical Science MSc course modules.
