MSc in Earth Science
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F53
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
This qualification is suitable for those who want to explore current aspects of Earth Science at postgraduate level, investigating how different feedback mechanisms and forces within the Earth’s core and mantle, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are dependent upon each other and interact at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. This qualification offers an opportunity to pursue these issues, using the innovative teaching methods pioneered by The Open University and developing a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. Three of the four 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 Earth Science you must normally hold an honours degree in science, which includes HE level 3 (QAA IL6) Geosciences.
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 proposed studies you can visit the IELTS web page.
We expect you to take no more than one course a year and to complete the programme within ten years. If you fail or withdraw from a course you are allowed to retake it only once.
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 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 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:
150 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Postgraduate compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
30 | |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
And 30 points from the following optional undergraduate courses (or from transferred credit):
| Undergraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
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 courses 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 courses you will be awarded a Master of Science in Earth Science, entitling you to use the letters MSc Earth Sci (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
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MSc in Earth Science
- 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.
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