Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences
- On this page
-
Are you fascinated by life’s big questions? Are you thinking about studying for a degree? The Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences is the ideal way to start. It offers a broad introduction to a wide range of science subjects and is the first step on the way to an honours degree. You’ll explore biological and health sciences; chemistry and analytical sciences; Earth sciences; environmental science; physics; and astronomy and planetary science. Flexible, accessible study arrangements mean you can do all the practical work near where you live, or online in your own home. By the end of the certificate course, you’ll have the core subject knowledge and study skills needed for further study – and in addition to enriching your appreciation of life, you’ll have completed the first year of an honours degree in natural sciences.
How to apply
To study for this qualification, you will need to choose a pathway from the list below.
Our qualifications have up to three start points in the year, October, February or April.
You should apply in good time and if you are seeking financial support or applying for credit transfer, check our application
timetable on the How to register page.
Our qualifications are available to residents of the UK and many
other European countries. Read Where can I study? to see the list of countries from which we accept direct
applications.
Key facts
| T11 |
120
credits
|
|
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. However if you want to make sure you are prepared for studying science at this level, please have a look at the diagnostic quiz materials Are You Ready For Science which you can find on the Faculty’s website. The materials will help you decide whether the recommended starting point for the qualification is right for you, whether you need to do any preparatory study and, if you do, will point you in the right direction.
|
|
Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
|
Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study, and from there apply online.
Career relevance and employability
This certificate course develops a variety of skills that are highly valued in the labour market, such as analytical, numerical, IT and communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving. Many of these translate very smoothly into the modern workplace, which is increasingly concerned with knowledge management and the effective communication and presentation of ideas and arguments. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to many roles in the financial, business and public sectors – and employers in all fields put a high value on anyone who can deal competently with a large amount of complex information and turn it to good use. The ability to select and analyse relevant data and to present conclusions concisely and logically is essential in most lines of work, as is the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
The Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences will also help you develop critical thinking and independent research skills, and the ability to take the initiative – all valuable assets in today’s competitive environment.
There’s 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.
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
You cannot count credit for study you have already completed elsewhere towards this qualification.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences and will be entitled to use the letters CertHE (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course
If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our
Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses
have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a
taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial
support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
Share
This Page