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Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences

Are you fascinated by life’s big questions? Are you thinking about studying for a degree? This certificate is the ideal way to start. It offers a broad introduction to core science subjects while developing essential study skills. You’ll explore biology; chemistry; Earth sciences; environmental sciences; physics; and astronomy and planetary science. By the end of the course, you’ll have a valuable qualification under your belt and have taken the first step on the way to an honours degree.

Course Summary

Certificate

Course code: T11

Credits

120

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers

Course details

This certificate of higher education has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

Access – preparing you for study

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! You can start with an Access module designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study. Visit Am I ready? for more information about starting with an Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll start with a broad and absorbing introductory science module in which you’ll investigate a series of questions that teaches scientific thinking, and you will develop important study skills and mathematics skills alongside key concepts in science. You’ll follow this with a second introductory module that focuses on further key ideas in science.


Modules	Credits
Questions in science (S111)	60
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences uses a variety of study materials and may include the following elements:

studying solely 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
using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
using specialist software
working in a group with other students
finding external/third party material online.

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 certificate. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.

If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

On completion

On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences.

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 Essential Documents website.

Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

Study skills for this qualification

The Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences begins with the module Questions in science (S111) which builds a solid foundation for further study. Although it’s an introductory module, 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.

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

In addition to specific learning outcomes, this certificate develops a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market, such as analytical, numerical, IT and communication skills; teamwork, and problem solving. It 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. 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. 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

Scientists are in demand in the jobs market, particularly if they also have good interpersonal skills and some workplace experience. 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.

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):

science teacher
water quality inspector
countryside manager
forensic scientist
biomedical researcher

meteorologist
geophysicist
toxicologist
environmental engineer
marine biologist

botanist
forensic scientist
scientific journalist
technical consultant
industrial researcher

Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, PlanIT Plus in Scotland and Prospects across all nations. You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2017 - Registration closes 14/09/2017
Feb 2018 - Registration closes 11/01/2018

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Certificate of Higher Education in Natural Sciences

Course Summary

Certificate

Course details

Access – preparing you for study

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

Study skills for this qualification

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Download a brochure

Bachelor degrees

Masters degrees

Degree subjects

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The Open University

Course details

Access – preparing you for study

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

Study skills for this qualification

Your next step

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Download a brochure

Bachelor degrees

Masters degrees

Degree subjects

Change language

Connect with us

Grundständige Studiengänge

Masterstudiengange

Grad

Sprache ändern

Connect with us

Where do you live?