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Physics (S20)

Course details
  • Cert
  • 2 Years
  • Distance learning
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Distance Learning
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

Discover how physics explains the workings of the Universe while building practical scientific skills. This certificate introduces classical mechanics, thermal physics, fields, waves, relativity, and quantum physics of solids, atoms, and nuclei, often set in their historical context. You’ll gain experience of experimental physics and develop the ability to analyse and communicate scientific ideas clearly. This certificate provides a solid foundation for further study or developing a career in science and engineering. Endorsed by the Institute of Physics, this certificate also provides sufficient subject knowledge to support secondary school physics teaching to A-Level.

Key features of the course

  • Acquire a solid scientific foundation in physics

  • Endorsed by the Institute of Physics as sufficient to support secondary school physics teaching

  • Develop investigative and laboratory skills using our state-of-the-art multi-award-winning OpenSTEM Labs

  • Gain reasoning and logic skills

Modules

This physics certificate has one stage, comprising 90 credits.

Stage 1: You’ll study one 60-credit core physics module and one 30-credit practical module.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

Entry requirements

There are no qualification requirements for this course.

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. However, this is an OU level 2 certificate. You should ensure that you have adequate study skills, such as gained from OU level 1 study or its equivalent, before you begin. Having studied physics and maths to A-level standard would significantly improve your readiness to start this certificate.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For fees and funding information about this course, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.

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