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An image to illustrate the Certificate in Health Sciences
Explore the science of health and disease in this multidisciplinary certificate. You’ll study the biological, chemical, and physical sciences alongside psychology, health statistics, and social sciences to build a broad understanding of human health. From investigating the causes of conditions such as pain, addiction, lung disease, and cancer, to considering social and scientific approaches to treatment, you’ll develop skills in evidence-based reasoning and analysis. This certificate is valuable preparation for careers or further study in health, social care, or science.
This certificate is the first part of our Certificate of Higher Education in Health Sciences (T18), Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences (W44) and BSc (Honours) Health Sciences (Q71).
This health sciences certificate has one stage, comprising 60 credits.
You’ll study one 60-credit module introducing the science of human health.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)60Oct | Feb

By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, flexible learning materials, online activities, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate in Health Sciences upon successful completion.
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 certificate in one year and have a maximum of 4 years to complete it.
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:
You can use our online diagnostic tool to help you decide if you’re ready or if you could do with some extra preparation. There are also study resources to help you prepare for SDK100.
Health Sciences or Biomedical Sciences?
Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences are related but distinct fields that vary in focus and scope.
Find out more about our biomedical sciences qualifications:
£4,088*
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:
As well as an understanding of some of the science that underpins health, you'll develop skills in basic scientific literacy and numeracy, locating and interpreting scientific data, and using a computer to find and communicate information. The certificate also offers a sound foundation for progressing to an honours degree in a relevant area.
Employees with science qualifications are in demand in the jobs market, particularly if they also have good interpersonal skills and some workplace experience. While the Certificate in Health Sciences (S19) is not attached to any specific professional endorsement, it will be useful if you wish to take up a career in the broad area of health science, or if you work in this area already. It provides a broad base of subject knowledge and skills appropriate to occupations such as biomedical research, diagnostic services, health promotion, health and safety, health therapy, and health services administration and management.
People with science qualifications 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.
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):
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.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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