BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences | Open University

England

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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences

Tackling today’s complex societal challenges requires an interdisciplinary approach. This BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences degree, accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, prepares you to meet that need by exploring a wide range of scientific disciplines. You’ll begin with a broad introduction to modern science, building a strong foundation across key areas. As you progress, you can maintain a broad-based approach or specialise in a single field. Practical experience is supported through our OpenSTEM Labs, which enable online experiments, while some modules also offer optional hands-on laboratory work and fieldwork to deepen your scientific understanding.

This course has routes accredited or recognised by:

Stage 1 of this degree is the same as our

Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences (T11)

, and Stages 1 and 2 are the same as our

Diploma of Higher Education in Natural Sciences (W37)

This natural sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

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 begin with a 60-credit introductory science module that explores a range of scientific disciplines. You’ll then choose one of the available routes, and study a further 60 credits:

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30	Oct \| Feb

You’ll study 120 credits from your chosen route.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)	30	Oct
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Investigating human health and disease (S290)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all four of the following:
Astronomy (S284)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Planetary science and the search for life (S283)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)	30	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct

You’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route, and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)	60	Oct
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll choose another 30-credit module from the list above or from:
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
You'll complete one from:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb
Science project module: biology (SXB390)	30	Feb
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: biology (SXB390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

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.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)	30	Oct
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Investigating human health and disease (S290)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)	60	Oct
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll choose another 30-credit module from the list above or from:
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
You'll complete one from:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb
Science project module: biology (SXB390)	30	Feb
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study all four of the following:
Astronomy (S284)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Planetary science and the search for life (S283)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study all three of the following:
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll choose one from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Cell and molecular biology (S296)	30	Oct
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Investigating human health and disease (S290)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Biological science: from genes to species (S317)	60	Oct
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose another 30-credit module from the list above or from:
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
You'll complete one from:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb
Science project module: biology (SXB390)	30	Feb
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb
Science project module: health sciences (SXH390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Astronomy (S284)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study both of the following:
Planetary science and the search for life (S283)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Concepts in chemistry (S218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Chemistry: further concepts and applications (S315)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Infectious disease and public health (SK320)	30	Oct
Nanoscale engineering (T366)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Signals and perception: the science of the senses (SD329)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Translational medicine (SK322)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project module: chemistry (SXC390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Earth processes (S309)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: geosciences (SXG390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Geology and sustainability (S319)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Questions in science (S111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)	30	Oct \| Feb
You'll choose one from:
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)	30	Oct \| Feb
Physics and space (SM123)	30	Oct
Technologies in practice (TM129)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Core physics (S227)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study both of the following:
Mathematical methods (MST224)	30	Oct
Remote experiments in physics and space (SXPS288)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Electromagnetism (SM381)	30	Oct
Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll choose one from:
Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)	30	Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)	30	Oct
Cosmology and the distant Universe (S385)	30	Oct
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)	30	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)	30	Oct
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: radiation and matter (SXP390)	30	Feb

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 upon successful completion.

If you complete a specialist route, your degree title will show that in brackets:

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

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:

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

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 it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

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 18th 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:

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.

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.

The Institute of Physics recognises the physics route and the astronomy and planetary science route.

Accredited and recognised BSc programmes meet the educational requirements for membership of IOP.

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 18th 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 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.