Chemistry Courses
Whether you want to learn more about yourself and the world around you, gain an insight into a fascinating subject or are looking to develop your career – studying a chemistry course with The Open University is a smart choice. Find out more about our chemistry qualifications below.
Chemistry
Degrees
- Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
- Internationally respected, universally understood.
- An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
- Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
- Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Total of 360 credits
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Chemistry
Diplomas
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
- Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
Total of 240 credits
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Chemistry
Certificates
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first third of an honours degree.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Shows that you can study successfully at university level.
- Count it towards further qualifications such as a DipHE or honours degree.
Total of 120 credits
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Why study Chemistry with The Open University?
We can help you achieve your learning goals and – as world leaders in inclusive, innovative and impactful STEM teaching and research – are proud to have helped more than 2 million people worldwide. You’ll study with one of the largest providers of educational opportunities and learning solutions in this sector.
Study chemistry with us, and you’ll:
- Develop investigative and laboratory skills through practical investigations delivered via our award-winning OpenScience Laboratory.
- Have the opportunity to undertake hands-on laboratory work at short residential schools.
- Explore and develop your knowledge of a wide range of chemistry subjects and gain a practical understanding of the scientific method.
Careers in Chemistry
As chemistry graduate, you’ll be well prepared for both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for scientific study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment, so graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand.
Our range of courses in chemistry can help you start or progress your career as a:
- Nanotechnologist
- Forensic scientist
- Chemical engineer
- Research scientist
Looking for something other than a qualification?
The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.
All Chemistry courses
Browse all the Chemistry courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.
Email us
From exploring the right course for you to helping you register, our advisers can help.
Call us
As part of the OU’s response to Coronavirus, we have temporarily removed this option.
Please use the ‘Email us’ option to contact us.
Write to us at:
Student Recruitment
The Open University
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
