MSc in Science
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F12
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
This qualification is for those who want to explore broad scientific topics at postgraduate level. It offers an opportunity to pursue some of contemporary science’s most pressing issues, using the innovative teaching methods pioneered by The Open University, and to develop a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. There are two ‘strands’: Science studies and Frontiers in medical science. The strands are complementary, and you can choose courses from both if you wish. Most courses are taught, but there is also a project course if you would like to undertake a substantial piece of independent research.
Planning your studies
To enrol on any of the MSc in Science courses you must, normally, hold a qualification equivalent to an honours degree in science or a science-related subject, or else have other experience that equips you for the study of science at masters level. There is more advice about entry and preparation in the individual course descriptions.
All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS web page.
You can count a maximum of 60 points from project work towards the degree. We expect you, normally, to take no more than one course a year, and to complete the programme within seven years. We cannot guarantee that the same selection of courses will continue to be available. If you fail or withdraw from a course you are allowed to retake it only once. The award regulations explain the rules to do with progress more fully.
You must include at least 60 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
Career relevance and employability
Completing this award 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 award will develop your independent learning skills and enhance your ICT skills in locating information and communicating with others in both professional and academic contexts.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 180-point masters degree, you require:
Either 180 points from the following optional courses:
| Postgraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 FINAL |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses BS811, DS871, ES821, S803, S804, S820
Or 150 points from the above list plus 30 points from the following optional courses:
| Postgraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
|
30 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses D830, D831, D832, E827, E845, H804, H805, T830, T833, T834, T838, T860, T861, TXX861, TUXX863
You can take your chosen courses in any order, except that you are expected to have completed at least one of the taught science courses before you undertake the project.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of 180 points’ worth of required courses you will be awarded a Master of Science entitling you to use the letters MSc (Science) (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Science.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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