Skills you can develop Science
Science graduates can find employment opportunities across all sectors as their skills are actively sought by employers.
As well as the specific knowledge gained from studying for an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.
For Science students the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:
- compile, analyse and critically evaluate information
- understand and make informed judgements about science-based issues
- interpret, use and evaluate data
- put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions
- conduct practical and investigative work and be aware of risk assessment and health and safety regulations
- be an effective communicator
- work as part of a team and take on responsibility
- manage time, learn independently and use ICT effectively.
To see specific learning outcomes related to the degrees in this area visit OU courses.
Practical work experience for careers linked to Science (PDF, 638 KB) can help you further develop work-related laboratory or field-based experience. It contains information on the types of work experience available, how to contact employers, and what to do if you can’t find a placement.
To check which skills valued by employers can be developed from studying a particular subject, look at the ‘What can I do with my degree?’ pages on Prospects.
Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities. You can view our full Student Employability Policy Statement on our website.
If you’re a registered OU student, you can find further careers information tailored to your qualification at your Study Home site, under the Succeed tab.
Student Stories
The OU has also introduced me to different media like Facebook and gave me an awareness of how I could use those media in my work.
Linda Lunan, Astronomers of the Future / STEM Ambassador
OU qualifications
Find out more about undergraduate study in Science.
Find out more about postgraduate study in Science.
Find out about all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at OU courses.
