MSc in Science

This masters course will enable you to examine some of contemporary science's most pressing issues and to develop a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. The MSc includes taught modules and a compulsory project module which gives you the opportunity to explore a topic in further depth, and to undertake a substantial piece of independent research based on the knowledge and skills you will have developed in the taught modules. You have the flexibility to choose from a number of optional taught modules currently on offer within the science postgraduate programme (in areas such as Earth Science, Brain and Behavioural Science and Medicinal Chemistry), and tailor this MSc to suit your own interests.

Due to the demands that studying the degree will make on you, we recommend that you take no more than 90 credits a year, and you must complete the programme within seven years. We cannot guarantee that the same selection of modules will continue to be available.

Your choice of topic for the project module must relate to the knowledge-based learning outcomes of one of the taught modules that you have passed, and we would normally expect you to undertake the project module as the last stage in this qualification. If you are new to postgraduate level study we recommend that you take Developing research skills in science (S825) as your first module.

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Career relevance and employability

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

You will also learn to communicate information and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist (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 qualification will develop your independent learning skills, enhance your skills in locating information and communicating with others in both professional and academic contexts.

To study for the MSc in Science you must normally hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in science. If you have other study or experience that you believe equips you to take this qualification you can still apply, but must supply evidence of your study or experience. Your case will be referred to the MSc in Science Admissions Panel.