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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Natural Sciences
Explore the natural world and tailor your learning path with this interdisciplinary diploma. You can explore a broad range of scientific topics, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, environmental science, and physics, or choose to focus more deeply on the areas that interest you most. Alongside developing critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, you’ll learn to connect knowledge across disciplines. This flexible approach prepares you for further study in natural sciences or related fields, while equipping you with versatile skills valued in research, conservation, and science-focused careers.
This Diploma of Higher Education is the same as Stages 1 and 2 of our BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Q64), and Stage 1 of is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences (T11).
This natural sciences diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll study a 60-credit introductory science module, introducing you to many branches of science, and 60 credits from your chosen route:

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Questions in science (S111)60Oct | Feb

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

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

You’ll study 120 credits from your chosen route.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, high-quality online and printed materials, interactive tools, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Natural Sciences upon successful completion.
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 diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 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 diploma in two 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 diploma in four years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
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 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 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.

4 years
£3,892*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£15,568*
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:
In addition to specific learning outcomes, this diploma develops a variety of skills that are highly valued in the labour market, such as analytical, numerical IT and communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving. Many of these translate very smoothly into the modern workplace, which is increasingly concerned with knowledge management and the effective communication and presentation of ideas and arguments. You’ll develop critical thinking and independent research skills, and the ability to take the initiative – all valuable assets in today’s competitive environment.
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.
Scientists are in demand in the jobs market, particularly if they also have good interpersonal skills and some workplace experience. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to many roles in the financial, business and public sectors – and employers in all fields put a high value on anyone who can deal competently with a large amount of complex information and turn it to good use. The ability to select and analyse relevant data and to present conclusions concisely and logically is essential in most lines of work, as is the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
People with science qualifications 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.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
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 website are available to see at any time, 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):
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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