This physics degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study 120 credits from the standard start, basic maths start or advanced start.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit and two 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose a 30-credit module and complete a 30-credit project module.
You’ll study 120 credits from the standard, basic maths or advanced start. Read the entry requirements to decide which start is right for you.
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) includes an online invigilated exam. ProctorU, a service based outside the UK, will remotely invigilate your exam. To study this modules, you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.
You’ll study a 60-credit core physics module, a 30-credit practical module and a 30-credit applied mathematics module.
You’ll study two 30-credit compulsory physics modules, choose a 30-credit option module and complete a 30-credit project module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BSc (Honours) Physics uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Accessing online catalogues and databases
- Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
- Practical work
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.
For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BSc (Honours) Physics.
The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
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.
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
You can complete your studies in six years part-time and three years full-time. However, your last module (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 BSc (Honours) Physics as an entry qualification.
Your full-time equivalent study intensity options in Stage 1 depend on which start you choose.
Standard start
To complete Stage 1 in one year, you must begin with S111 and SM123 in October. You may start MST124 at the same time (or the following February); the same goes for MST125. However, you cannot begin MST125 before MST124.
Basic maths start
You cannot complete Stage 1 in one year. You may only begin MST124 after you finish MU123.
Advanced start
To complete Stage 1 in one year, you must begin with MST124 and SM123. You may start your Stage 1 option modules at the same time (or the following February if you start MST124 and SM123 in October, and your option modules have a February start). However, you cannot begin them before 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 Stage 1 of their qualification. 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 that are highly valued in the labour market – such as analytical, numerical and communication skills, team working, 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. An online personal development tool has been created to help with self-reflection and to build evidence of the skills and competencies that you have developed during your studies to help achieve your future aspirations.
Career relevance
Physics graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for physics study is relevant to a wide range of private and public sector employment, so physics graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Growth areas are predicted to be energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).
Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, universities and others – in roles such as:
- analysis and diagnostics
- computer programming and modelling
- data analysis and processing
- information management
- medical physicist
- product design and development
- research and investigation
- scientific sales
- teaching
Accreditation
The Institute of Physics (IOP) accredits our physics degree.
Accredited BSc programmes meet the educational requirements for membership of IOP and partially meet the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
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 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):
- aerospace engineer
- astrophysicist
- computer programmer
- data analyst
- geophysicist
- medical physicist
- meteorologist
- nuclear engineer
- renewable energy specialist
- patent attorney
- physicist
- science communicator
- science teacher
- software engineer
- university lecturer.