MSc Science and Society

What you will learn

This MSc course is for those who want to explore aspects of science and society at postgraduate level. It offers an opportunity to pursue contemporary issues in science communication, science education and public engagement with science, using the innovative teaching methods pioneered by The Open University, and to develop a wide range of skills associated with masters-level study. Two of the possible component modules are taught, but there is also a compulsory project module that allows you to undertake a substantial piece of independent research, based on the knowledge and skills you will have developed in the taught modules.

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

Also find out information about the Faculty, teaching, cutting edge research, staff and outreach activities.

Time required and cost

To achieve the MSc in Science and Society you must successfully gain 180 credits. The qualification typically takes between three years to complete based on a regular study of 12-16 hours per week. We recommend that you study no more than 60 credits a year. You have a maximum of seven years to complete this qualification.

For details on module costs please see the tables at the bottom of this page. The total cost of the qualification depends on the modules studied. As a guide the total fee for 2012/13 academic year was £6,570.

NB: Prices and course details shown below are subject to change.

Career impact

Completing this qualification will equip you with a set of key transferable skills which will be relevant to current debates about science and society. You will learn to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in this field of study as well as evaluating a range of research methodologies. You will learn to deal with complex issues and make sound judgements and decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.

You will learn to communicate information and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences including professional audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a postgraduate level.

The nature of this qualification will develop your independent learning skills and enhance your skills in searching, filtering and assessing the credibility of information from a range of sources, and communicating with others in both professional and academic contexts.

Key dates

Please see the tables shown at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

To study for this masters degree course you must hold a bachelors honours degree in a science or science-related subject from a UK university, or other recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at equivalent level.

You will need good computing skills. You should be able to search the Web, use email, and use word processing packages. Some modules also require you to be able to carry out mathematical manipulations, for example algebraic rearrangement of equations; using exponentials and logs.

You will also need to be proficient in English, to an IELTS standard of 7.0. If you are unsure you will be able to take a free English test as part of the registration process.

Classification of course

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Master of Science in Science and Society entitling you to use the letters MSc Sci Soc (Open) after your name.

Credits

For information on Credits, click here.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:

• Student Regulations
• Module Regulations
• General Qualification Regulations
• MSc Science and Society
• Schedule B to the Qualification Regulations.