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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences
In this specialist route through our BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences, accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences and the Royal Society of Biology, you’ll explore life from cells to whole organisms. You also have the option to study areas such as human biology, ecology, or science's role in society, while developing your analytical and scientific literacy skills. Practical work and a research project provide hands-on experience, enabling you to effectively interpret and communicate biological data. This route prepares you for further study or careers in conservation, healthcare, or education, providing a broad yet detailed understanding of living systems and processes.
This course is accredited by:
Society of Natural Sciences logo
Royal Society of Biology logo
This natural sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
You’ll study two 60-credit modules, introducing you to many branches of science and exploring the ideas that underpin the study of science at a higher level.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct

You’ll study two 30-credit modules examining adaptation and natural selection and exploring the world of living cells, plus choose 60 credits of complementary option modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules
60See list

You’ll study a 60-credit module exploring advanced biological science topics from evolution to cell and molecular biology, choose a 30-credit option module, and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.
Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.
Your last module (SXB390) 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 degree as an entry qualification.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules
60See list
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules
60See list
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)30Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)30Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, multimedia distance-learning materials, online laboratory tools, and project feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Biology) upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
Your last module (SXB390, SXC390, SXE390, SXG390, SXH390 or 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 degree as an entry qualification.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need some knowledge of science concepts and mathematical skills, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Check you’re ready for Questions in science (S111) with our self-assessed quiz.
If you’re thinking about choosing physics, or astronomy and planetary science, check you’re ready for mathematical study at this level.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
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, teamworking, 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.
Science graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment, so science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Employers include central and local government, the NHS, the water industry, food and drink companies, media and communications, the horticultural industry, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies and universities – in roles such as:
Growth areas are predicted to be: environment, energy and sustainability; biotechnology and biomedical engineering; healthcare; telecommunications; pharmaceuticals; bioinformatics; and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).
The Society of Natural Sciences accredits all routes.
Society of Natural Sciences logo
The biology route is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate future research and development leaders and innovators.
Royal Society of Biology logo
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):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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