MSc in Earth Science
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F53
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credits
Description
This MSc course explores current aspects of earth science, investigating how the interactions between the Earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are dependent upon each other and interact at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. You will learn to critically evaluate current research and gain skills that allow you to keep your knowledge of earth science up to date. You will investigate how to deal with complex interacting earth systems and understand the consequences for changing the balance between different components. You will learn to quantify some parts of earth systems and to communicate scientific information to specialists and non-specialists.
Planning your studies
To register on the MSc in Earth Science you must normally hold an honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in science or a science-related subject. 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 that study or experience. Your case will be referred to our MSc in Science Admissions Panel. For further advice, email the postgraduate science team.
To successfully undertake this postgraduate study you will need to have studied earth science at degree level. If you do not have a degree in earth science (or similar) then you are likely to need to undertake additional study before starting the qualification. Please contact postgraduate science team for further advice.
You will need good computing skills (e.g. able to search the Web, use email, use word processing and spreadsheet packages, You should also be able to carry out mathematical manipulations (e.g. algebraic rearrangement of equations, use exponentials and logs). Please see the individual module descriptions to ensure that you are properly prepared before starting to study for this qualification.
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 you have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.
You must complete the taught module S808 Earth science: a systems approach before the project module. We recommend that you study no more than 90 credits a year, and you must complete the programme within ten years.
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 MSc course will equip you with a set of key transferable skills, which will be relevant to earth science, as well as providing you with a basis of postgraduate level science skills. 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 qualification will develop your independent learning skills and enhance your ICT skills in locating information and communicating with others in both professional and academic contexts.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Modules
For this 180-credit masters degree you require:
30 credits from the following optional undergraduate modules (or from transferred credit):
| Undergraduate optional modules | Credits | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2013 FINAL |
|
30 | Feb 2012 |
|
30 | Nov 2012 |
and 150 credits from the following compulsory modules:
| Postgraduate compulsory modules | Credits | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Oct 2012 |
|
60 | Jan 2013 |
|
60 | Nov 2012 |
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 an 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 modules so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible. No credit transfer can be given for S810.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Master of Science in Earth Science entitling you to use the letters MSc Earth Sci (Open) after your name. The degree will be classified as pass, merit or distinction. 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 Qualification Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
- Introduction to the Qualification Regulations
- General Qualification Regulations
- MSc in Earth Science
- Schedule B to the Qualification 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 module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Science.
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