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MSc project module

In this project module, which is entirely online, you’ll carry out an in-depth investigation into a science topic of your choice. You must link it to one or more of the knowledge-based learning objectives of your previous core postgraduate science modules – excluding Developing research skills in science (S825). Your project can be literature based; involve laboratory or fieldwork; or include the design and use of a questionnaire. You’ll have the support and guidance of a supervisor, by both email and telephone.

Vocational relevance

This module provides an excellent foundation for further research in science. Through studying it, you’ll develop skills and knowledge relevant to employment, which will support a wide variety of career prospects. Given that your study on the linked multidisciplinary programme – MSc in Science – would be self-designed, the career relevance will depend on the modules you’ve studied and the topic selected for your S810 project. Therefore, it’s important to design a project that’s directly relevant to your individual requirements.

Qualifications

This module can count towards F12 and F53, which are no longer available to new students.

Excluded combinations

Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.

Module

Module code
S810
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60
Study level
To enable you to make international comparisons, the information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ).
OU Postgraduate
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Find out more in Why the OU?
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The study materials provide guidance on planning your project and help with searching literature, analysing data and writing your dissertation. Your first two assessments will involve developing a proposal for a project on your chosen topic. Two further assessments will help you to keep your project on track. You’ll need to check the module website and online forums frequently. This module also includes group discussions in online tutorials.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). You must also use the eTMA system submit your dissertation (project thesis) – this is your end-of-module assessment.

Course work includes

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
No residential school

Future availability

MSc project module (S810) starts once a year – in November.

This page describes the module that will start in November 2021.

We expect it to start for the last time in November 2021.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

    Entry requirements

    You must have completed at least one of the following modules:

    • Introduction to mental health science (S826)
    • Space science (S818)
    • Discontinued: S802, S804, S807, S808, S809, S811, S819, S827, SD805, SD815, SEH806 and SH804

    You should normally take this project module last.

    All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for study at postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, we strongly recommend that you’ve achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0.

    Preparatory work

    You may find reading the following books useful before and during your studies:

    • Biggam, J. Succeeding With Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-By-Step Handbook, Open University Press (3rd edn), ISBN 978-0335264483
    • Divan, A. Communication Skills for the Biosciences: A Graduate Guide (2009), Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-922635-1.
    • Nygaard, L.P. Writing Your Master’s Thesis, SAGE publications, ISBN 978-1473903937

    Register

    Start End Fee Register
    06 Nov 2021 Oct 2022 Not yet available

    Registration closes 07/10/21 (places subject to availability)

    Register
    November 2021 is the final start date for this course. For more information, see Future availability.

    Future availability

    MSc project module (S810) starts once a year – in November.

    This page describes the module that will start in November 2021.

    We expect it to start for the last time in November 2021.

    Additional costs

    Study costs

    There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

    Study materials

    What's included

    All materials are online.

    You'll have access to a module website, which includes:

    • a monthly study planner
    • an assessment guide
    • a study guide
    • web-based text resources
    • web-based software
    • online tutorial access
    • online forums.

    The Library website includes access to scientific journals, ebook and databases.

    Computing requirements

    A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.

    Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

    A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.

    The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

    To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).

    Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.

    If you have a disability

    Your project must include a literature review. You’ll have to access literature resources electronically, and undertake substantive online searches of electronic databases and journals. You’ll also be able to participate in online forums and activities. Consequently, you’ll spend extensive time using a computer and the internet.

    The module uses real-time (synchronous) as well as asynchronous online discussions and an interactive whiteboard space. If you use assistive technology or have a hearing or speech impairment, and have concerns about accessing this type of virtual environment and materials, you can visit the system provider’s website for information and contact us to discuss your options.

    Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of module material are available, where possible. Some online components might not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Due to our use of external websites and third-party content, we can’t guarantee the accessibility of all components of the module. PDF versions of most journal articles are available through the OU library, as well as HTML full text. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader: mathematical and scientific notification could be particularly difficult to read in this way. If you use a screen reader to access material on screen, check that it’s compatible with the Open University Library’s electronic databases and resources before you start.

    If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer.