BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Planetary Science)

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• undertaking practical work or using an online laboratory
• working with specialist reading material such as scientific journals
• using specialist software
• working in a group with other students
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• finding external/third party material online.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, to get the best from it you’ll need some knowledge of science concepts and mathematical skills, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

Check you’re ready for Questions in science (S111) with our self-assessed quiz.

If you’re thinking about choosing physics, or astronomy and planetary science, check you’re ready for mathematical study at this level.

How much time do I need?

• Most of our students study part-time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

*You can complete your studies in six years part-time and three years full-time. However, your last module (SXB390, SXC390, SXE390, SXG390, SXH390 or SXP390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences as an entry qualification.

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

• feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
• support from a dedicated team throughout your study
• detailed written feedback on your work.

Skills for career development

By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market – such as analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamworking, problem solving and proficiency in using computers. You’ll also have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie, and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.

Employers also look for evidence of experience of the workplace to support the skills gained through the degree. To succeed, graduates will need to be flexible and multi-skilled, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Career relevance

Science graduates are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment, so science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.

Employers include central and local government, the NHS, the water industry, food and drink companies, media and communications, the horticultural industry, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies and universities – in roles such as:

• research and investigation
• product design and development
• analysis and diagnostics
• science information management
• science communication
• scientific sales
• exploration and extraction of natural resources
• health and healthcare related professions
• waste management, recycling and sustainability
• environmental management, protection and conservation
• teaching (science is a shortage subject at secondary school level, so there may be incentives to train as a physics, chemistry or maths teacher).

Growth areas are predicted to be: environment, energy and sustainability; biotechnology and biomedical engineering; healthcare; telecommunications; pharmaceuticals; bioinformatics; and technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products).

Accreditation

The Society of Natural Sciences accredits all routes.

The biology route has interim* accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate future research and development leaders and innovators.

*The programme may be awarded full accreditation after the OU successfully demonstrates that the first cohort of graduates has met the society’s defined learning outcomes.

The Institute of Physics accredits the physics route and recognises the astronomy and planetary science route.

Accredited and recognised BSc programmes meet the educational requirements for membership of IOP. Accredited programmes also partially meet the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):