BSc (Honours) in Health Sciences
Open University
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,924 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* cost per year full-time; £3,462 - cost per year part-time
Introduction
This degree examines the science behind health. From individual health to global issues like epidemics or the treatment of dementia. You’ll study scientific concepts that underpin the function of the human mind and body. Explore the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability. And examine the maintenance and improvement of health in different populations. It’s particularly relevant if you work in, or aspire to work in, a health-related profession.
Key features of the course
- Explore health and disease from a multidisciplinary, evidence-based perspective.
- Use innovative online collaborative and virtual experiences to build your practical skills.
- Develop transferable skills that enhance your employability in healthcare, health research and other settings.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Health Sciences corresponds to the first third.
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
Program Outcome
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 increase 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.
Curriculum
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 two 30-credit health science modules plus a 60-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.