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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Combined STEM
This flexible degree combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Build your degree from a variety of STEM modules and study routes to create a unique qualification. Our BSc (Hons) Combined STEM allows you to study more than just one STEM subject – to fit your personal and professional needs, interests and aspirations. The flexibility of this degree makes it relevant to a wide range of jobs and industries – many of which require proficiency in a range of STEM-based skills. It can help you develop your existing career or start a new one.
This combined studies 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 choose 60 credits of key introductory STEM modules and 60 credits from any OU level 1 modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
A variety of introductory STEM modules
60See list
You'll choose 60 credits from:
A variety of OU level 1 modules
60See list

You’ll choose 60 credits of OU level 2 STEM modules and 60 credits from any OU level 2 modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
A variety of OU level 2 STEM modules
60See list
You'll choose 60 credits from:
A variety of OU level 2 modules
60See list

You’ll choose 120 credits of OU level 3 STEM modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose 120 credits from:
A variety of OU level 3 STEM modules
120See list

We’ve created 180-credit suggested routes to help you choose your modules. You could combine 180 credits from one route with 180 credits from another to gain the 360 credits you need.
Suggested routes include:
Below, we’ve provided two examples of combining a pair of 180-credit routes into a complete 360-credit degree, structured as 3-year and 6-year pathways.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Oct | Apr
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)30Oct | Apr
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30Oct | Apr
Stage 2 | Year 2
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Core engineering A (T271)30Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30Oct
Renewable energy (T313)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Oct | Apr
Stage 1 | Year 2
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)30Oct | Apr
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30Oct | Apr
Stage 2 | Year 3
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Object-oriented Java programming (M250)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Core engineering A (T271)30Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
Computer science modules – you'll study both of the following:
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
Engineering modules – you'll study both of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30Oct
Renewable energy (T313)30Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
Biology modules – you'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)60Oct
Biology modules – you'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)60Oct
Biology modules – you'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
Biology modules – you'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
Biology modules – you'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)30Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
Environmental science modules – you'll study the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
Biology modules – you'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)60Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, quality learning materials, interactive resources, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Combined STEM 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.
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, as the module choice is extensive, ensure you read the module descriptions carefully to ensure you’re prepared.
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*
This qualification also includes option modules with lower fees than standard, which, if studied, will reduce the total cost.
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:
In today's highly competitive job market, our Combined STEM degree will equip you with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities much sought after by employers. A Combined STEM degree on your CV will show more than your level of knowledge; employers will know that you're flexible and adaptable, having studied across subjects. It will also demonstrate that you have gained valuable transferable skills, which could include:
The flexibility of our Combined STEM degree makes it relevant to a wide range of careers and industries – many of which require proficiency in a range of STEM-based skills. It can help you to develop in your existing employment, or be a passport to a whole new career. Its flexibility particularly suits people with multi-faceted work roles; and anyone needing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to manage changes in their current job or future career path.
A degree is always valuable, no matter what you study. Around 70% of graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline – particularly roles in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
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 and 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 where this qualification might take you, visit the graduate careers website Prospects for hundreds of job ideas.
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
Ask a question
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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