MSc in Science

What you will learn

This MSc course offers an opportunity to examine some of contemporary science's most pressing issues and to develop a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. You can choose any of the current modules within the postgraduate science programme, which means that you can tailor this MSc to suit your own interests. Our modules include areas such as Earth science, medicinal chemistry, medical physics and science and society. Most modules are taught, but there is also a project module, enabling you to undertake a substantial piece of independent research. You can also include some options from other disciplines.

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

Also find out information about the Faculty, teaching, cutting edge research, staff and outreach activities.

Time required and cost

To achieve the MSc in Science you must successfully gain 180 credits. The qualification typically takes a minimum of three years to complete based on a regular study of 12-16 hours per week.
We recommend that you study no more than 90 credits a year, and you must complete the programme within seven years.

For details on module costs please see the tables at the bottom of this page. The total cost of the qualification depends on the modules studied. As a guide the total fee for 2012/13 academic year was £6,570.

NB: Prices and course details shown below are subject to change.

Career impact

Completing this qualification will equip you with a base of postgraduate level knowledge and understanding in science as well as providing you with a set of key transferable skills which will be relevant to your career. You will learn to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in your field of study as well as evaluating research methodologies. You will discover how to deal with complex issues and make sound judgements and decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.

You will learn to communicate information and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences including professional audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a postgraduate level.

The nature of this MSc course will develop your independent learning skills and enhance your ICT skills in locating information and communicating with others in both professional and academic contexts.

Key dates

Please see the tables shown at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

To study for this masters degree course you must hold a bachelors honours degree in a science or science-related subject from a UK university or other recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at equivalent level.

You will need good computing skills. You should be able to search the Web, use email, and use word processing packages. Some modules also require you to be able to carry out mathematical manipulations, for example algebraic rearrangement of equations; using exponentials and logs.

You will also need to be proficient in English, to an IELTS standard of 7.0. If you are unsure you will be able to take a free English test as part of the registration process.

Classification of course

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Master of Science entitling you to use the letters MSc (Science) (Open) after your name.

Credits

For information on Credits, click here.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:

• Student Regulations
• Module Regulations
• General Qualification Regulations
• MSc in Science
• Schedule B to the Qualification Regulations.