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Science courses

Enhance your understanding of the world with a science course from The Open University. You can specialise in astronomy and planetary science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental sciences, physics or health sciences. So, wherever your interests lie, you’ll find a qualification to challenge and reward you.

Tray of samples for testing in a laboratory

ScienceDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years

Degrees in Science

ScienceDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years

Diplomas in Science

ScienceCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Certificates in Science

Why study Science with The Open University?

Whether you choose a broad range of science topics or specialise your study, you’ll have the opportunity to explore where your scientific interests lie. With modules and qualifications informed by our scientific and educational research, we take pride in our international reputation for teaching and research across multiple science disciplines.

The OU can offer you:

  • Optional hands-on laboratory work in chemistry, physics, or biology and health, hosted at our Milton Keynes campus.
  • Many science courses that use our award-winning OpenScience remote laboratory.
  • Physics-based qualifications recognised by the Institute of Physics.
  • Transferable skills highly valued by employers.

Careers in Science

Expand your career opportunities with The Open University’s high-quality teaching and active involvement in international research programmes. With ever-increasing employer demand for skilled and qualified science graduates, this could be your starting point for a career in:

  • Data analysis
  • Science administration or management
  • Science communication and policy
  • Scientific or industrial research
  • Teaching
  • Technical consultancy

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Science modules

All Science courses

Browse all the Science courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Science courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Science courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Science courses