Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit introductory module with a focus on health sciences. You’ll follow this with a further 60-credit introductory module, either with a focus on natural sciences or a focus on psychology.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study three 30-credit health science modules plus a 30-credit online module designed to develop your practical science skills.
- And finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study three further 30-credit modules and conclude your degree with a 30-credit project module.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
Stage 1 starts by exploring the science, psychology and social issues behind health and disease worldwide. Next, you’ll choose either to explore how psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, or to widen your general science skills and knowledge of scientific concepts in biology; the molecular and physical sciences; and the earth and environmental sciences.
At Stage 2, you’ll start with a human biology module and a module that focuses on understanding mental health. You’ll conclude the stage with the study of cell biology and development of your practical science skills.
At Stage 3, you’ll study three modules that focus on infectious disease and public health; the sensory systems; and evaluating and communicating contemporary scientific information. You’ll complete your degree with an individual research project.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2020.
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) Health Sciences uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials and day schools and online tutorials
- working in a group with other students
- undertaking practical work or using an online laboratory
- working with specialist reading material such as scientific journals
- using specialist software
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- finding external/third party material online
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
- all qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module
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.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BSc (Honours) Health Sciences degree. The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third-class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification; however, to study successfully you’ll need,
- The ability to read and write to a good standard of English
- Some basic maths skills
- Some familiarity with using a computer and the internet.
You can use our online diagnostic tool to help you decide if you’re ready, or if you could do with some extra preparation. There are also some study resources to help you prepare for SDK100.
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.
Skills for career development
Science graduates are in demand in the jobs market, particularly if they also have good interpersonal skills and some workplace experience. In addition to specific learning outcomes, this degree will equip you with a range of valuable transferable skills – such as critical thinking, the ability to make informed judgements, team working, problem solving, time management, analytical, numerical and communication skills, and proficiency in IT. 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 training, or employment.
Career relevance
While the BSc (Honours) Health Sciences (Q71) is not attached to a specific professional accreditation, it provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and skills appropriate to occupations such as biomedical research, diagnostic services, health promotion, health and safety, health therapy, and health services administration and management. If you’re aiming for leadership, managerial or professional roles, this degree course is useful as a stepping-stone to postgraduate research training, or vocational courses such as public health or medicine.
Other careers
The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is also relevant to a wide range of non-scientific contexts. Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.
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):
- biomedical researcher
- health promotion specialist
- medical sales representative
- medical writer
- health services administrator
- community development worker
- further education lecturer
- laboratory technician
- physiotherapist
- social worker.