Natural Sciences (Earth Sciences)

Key features of the course

• Accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences (SNS).
• Teaches you how to observe and gather information about earth processes and environments through the study of rocks, fossils, minerals and landforms.
• Develops your skills in data collection, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.
• Gives you the opportunity to carry out independent projects and attend field courses.
• Offers the chance to debate issues and use professional online databases.

Entry requirements

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.

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

All routes to the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences

This degree has been accredited by the Society of Natural Sciences.

Biology route to the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences only

This programme has been awarded interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates have met defined learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience. Following a successful demonstration to the Society that these graduate attributes have been attained, and graduation of the first cohort of students from the programme, the programme may be awarded full accreditation.

Physics route to the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences only

This degree has been accredited by the Institute of Physics.

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):

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