There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study, we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success
This course has three starts:
Advanced start
The advanced start is suitable if you have an A level or Scottish Higher qualification in mathematics or physics (or equivalent). This start includes OU level 2 modules in Stage 1.
The advanced start begins with Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) and Physics and space (SM123):
Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.
The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):
Note: S111 will develop your mathematical skills and help you prepare for MST124.
Basic maths start
We recommend the basic maths start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study.
The basic maths start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Your study intensity options in Stage 1 depend on which start you choose.
Standard start
You must begin MST124 before MST125 or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study S111 or SM123, although we recommend beginning SM123 after S111 or MST124.
Basic maths start
We don’t recommend you attempt to complete Stage 1 in one year. You should finish MU123 before you begin MST124. If you begin MU123 in either October or February, the earliest you should begin MST124 is the following October.
You must also begin MST124 before MST125 or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study SM123, although we recommend beginning it after MST124.
Advanced start
If you choose MST125, you must begin MST124 first or study them in parallel. However, we recommend beginning MST125 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study M140 or SM123, although we recommend beginning SM123 after MST124.
There’s no order in which you must study S283 or S284. However, we recommend beginning them after MST124 or SM123.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to an OU level 1 module. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills highly valued in the labour market. Examples include analytical, numerical, communication, team-working, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also gain proficiency in computing and IT, including the use of a programming language. In addition, you’ll acquire first-hand research skills through the independent research project on a topic at the forefront of the discipline and demonstrate the originality of your research or interpretation.
You’ll 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.
Career relevance
Physics graduates are suited to scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach for physics study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. So physics graduates – particularly those with good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand. And the MPhys qualification is commonly regarded as a pre-requisite for starting a postgraduate research degree.
Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, and universities – in roles such as:
- research and investigation
- product design and development
- analysis and diagnostics
- information management
- data analysis and processing
- scientific sales
- medical physics
- computer programming and modelling
- teaching.
Potential growth areas are energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products), and the space sector.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of careers information, advice and guidance – including online forums, our comprehensive website, access to interview simulations and feedback, and a vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a Careers and Employability Consultant.
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.
- aerospace engineer
- astrophysicist
- computer programmer
- data analyst
- geophysicist
- medical physicist
- meteorologist
- nuclear engineer
- patent attorney
- physicist
- renewable energy specialist
- science communicator
- science teacher
- software engineer
- university lecturer.