Courses and Qualifications

About 4,500 people study OU Earth Science courses every year. Courses supported by Earth and Environmental Sciences include traditional geology courses, as well as courses looking at the Earth’s systems, and also planetary and environmental science courses. They range from short 10 point courses, approximately 80 hours of study, to longer 60 point courses, studied over 9 months.

Students can take courses on a one-off basis, or put them together for a named award (Diploma in Geosciences; BSc Geosciences, or BSc Natural Sciences) or ‘pick and mix’ for a BSc/BA Open. The Open University's style of teaching, 'supported open learning' (better known as 'distance learning') means that students study in their own time at home. Most have full-time jobs. They are expected to study course materials, carry out activities, and write assignments. They are supported by a tutor and we have a network of part-time Earth Science Associate Lecturers based throughout the UK. There are no academic entry requirements to study our undergraduate courses. Students who already have an honours degree in Earth Science might be interested in our new taught MSc in Earth Science or a taught MSc in Science. The core course for the MSc in Earth Science (S808, Earth Science: a systems approach) will be presented for the first time in 2010.

A full description of our Courses and Qualifications can be found in the menu on the left together with further background information on our various activities.  If you prefer, you can order one of our prospectuses.