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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Health Sciences
Delve into the science of human biology and uncover the building blocks of what makes our brains and bodies work. Through our health sciences degree, you’ll study the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases and other health conditions – from cancer and COVID-19, to dementia and autism. With a focus on transferable career skills, you’ll learn to think and communicate like a scientist, using the latest research to evaluate and debate global health issues. You’ll gain practical experience conducting experiments from home in our award-winning online labs. Perfect if you already work in a health-related profession or want to.
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences (W44). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Health Sciences (T18); the first part is the same as our Certificate in Health Sciences (S19).
This health 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 that introduce the science of human health and disease. You’ll explore key aspects of human biology, from cells and body systems to infection, immunity and chronic conditions, while developing core scientific and study skills that prepare you for further study in biomedical and health sciences.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)60Oct | Feb
Human biology: a body in balance (SK190)60Oct

You’ll deepen your understanding of health and wellbeing through one 60-credit module focused on physical health and disease, alongside two 30-credit modules examining mental health and public health. Together, these modules explore the biological basis of illness, psychological influences on wellbeing, and the wider social and environmental factors that shape population health.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all three of the following:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Infection, immunity and public health (SK297)30Oct
Investigating human health and disease (S290)60Oct

You’ll complete three 30-credit modules that develop your understanding of science communication, the biology of the senses, and research methods in health and biomedical science. You’ll then apply your knowledge and skills in a 30-credit independent project, investigating a topic of your choice in greater depth.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study all four of the following:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)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.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)60Oct | Feb
Human biology: a body in balance (SK190)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study all three of the following:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Infection, immunity and public health (SK297)30Oct
Investigating human health and disease (S290)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study all four of the following:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)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:
Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Human biology: a body in balance (SK190)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Infection, immunity and public health (SK297)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll study the following:
Investigating human health and disease (S290)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)30Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll study both of the following:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)30Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by tutors, interactive multi-media resources, online labs, structured feedback and project guidance.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Health Sciences 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 (SXH390) 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:
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:
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.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

6 years
£3,892*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£23,352*
That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.
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*
£28,605
£28,605
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£23,352
£23,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,070
£19,070
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£15,568
£15,568
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,535
£9,535
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£7,784
£7,784
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
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
£28,605
£28,605
£23,352
£23,352
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,070
£19,070
£15,568
£15,568
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,535
£9,535
£7,784
£7,784
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. 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 2026. 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.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
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:
Science graduates are in demand in the jobs market, particularly if they also have good interpersonal skills and some workplace experience. In addition to specific learning outcomes, this degree will equip you with a range of valuable transferable skills – such as critical thinking, the ability to make informed judgements, team working, problem solving, time management, analytical, numerical and communication skills, and proficiency in IT. 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 training, or employment.
While the BSc (Honours) Health Sciences (Q71) is not attached to a specific professional accreditation, it provides a broad base of scientific 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. If you're aiming for leadership, managerial or professional roles, this degree course is useful as a stepping-stone to postgraduate research training, or vocational courses such as public health or medicine.
The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is also relevant to a wide range of non-scientific contexts. Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.
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):
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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
This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 25th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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