MSc in Science and Society
On this page
Taught Masters
- Code
- F48
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
This qualification is for those who want to explore aspects of science and society at postgraduate level. It offers an opportunity to pursue contemporary issues in science communication, science education and public engagement with science, using the innovative teaching methods pioneered by The Open University, and to develop a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. Three of the four possible component courses are taught, but there is also a compulsory project course that allows you to undertake a substantial piece of independent research, based on the knowledge and skills you will have developed in the taught courses.
Planning your studies
To register for the MSc in Science and Society you must, usually, hold an honours degree in science, or a relevant honours degree related to the courses listed under the award. Relevant honours degrees might include communications, museum or media studies, science education, or awards in the history, philosophy or sociology of science.
Applicants who believe they have other study or experience that equips them to study for this award can still apply, but must supply evidence of that study or experience. These cases are referred to the MSc in Science Admissions Panel.
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 propsed studies you can visit the IELTS web page.
You must count 60 points from the project module 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 to achieve the award of MSc in Science and Society.
Career relevance and employability
Completing this award will equip you with a set of key transferable skills which will be relevant to current debates about Science and Society. You will learn to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in this field of study as well as evaluating a range of research methodologies. You will learn 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 skills in searching, filtering and assessing the credibility of information from a range of sources, 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:
180 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Postgraduate compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Jan 2011 FINAL |
|
60 | Jan 2011 |
|
60 | Jan 2011 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses S802, S804
Your choice of topic for S810 must relate to the knowledge-based learning outcomes of one of the other courses you have passed.
You can take your chosen courses in any order, except that you are expected to have completed at least one of the taught courses – preferably two – before you undertake the project module.
There are no residential school requirements.
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 have studied equivalent courses with other institutions you will not be allowed to count study of the equivalent OU course towards the MSc in Science and Society. Credit transfer can either be full-rate credit for relevant and appropriate study not directly matching any of the courses listed in the award or course-related credit for matching courses from other institutions. 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.
S810 is a compulsory course for the MSc in Science and Society. You should study the Open University course, i.e. credit transfer does not satisfy this requirement.
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 Sci Soc (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity 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
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MSc in Science and Society
- Schedule B to the 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.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.