Question 1

How do I choose the right science specialisation for my career goals?

Accepted Answer

Science offers a range of specialisations, each with their own career outcomes. To help you decide, here’s a guide to each study area and why you should consider it:

Study area	Why you should consider it
Agriculture	If you’re passionate about sustainable farming practices and agribusiness, this may be the field for you. From helping regional economies grow through horticulture to leading the way in a safe and sustainable farming future, agriculture offers diverse career opportunities.
Astronomy	Perfect for those fascinated by the universe and its mysteries. Astronomy is for you if you love the idea of understanding the cosmos.
Biology	If your idea of the perfect workday involves delving into the intricacies of ecosystems, living organisms, and biodiversity, biology could be your perfect fit.
Bioscience	This specialisation will have you studying living organisms, covering disciplines like genetics, ecology, and evolution. Career paths can include medical research, academia, scientific production, and more.
Biotechnology	If the application of biological systems in technology and medicine intrigues you, this specialisation can lead to areas like genetic research, drug development, and bioengineering.
Chemistry	Do you see yourself in a lab, studying matter’s properties and reactions? Chemistry can lead to careers in areas like pharmaceuticals, materials science, and chemical engineering.
Environmental science	Are you committed to helping solve environmental challenges? This field sets you on the right path and will have you studying areas such as ecosystems, pollution control, and sustainable resource management. Some courses also include work-based learning.
Mathematics	This one is for the problem solvers and abstract thinkers. Studying mathematics offers a pathway into fields like finance, data analysis, and academic research.
Physics	Ideal for anyone curious about the fundamental laws of nature. You can pursue opportunities in areas such as research, engineering, and technology development. You could even find yourself in nuclear science.

Question 2

What types of science courses are available to study online?

Accepted Answer

With dozens of online science degrees and over 100 short courses available through Open Universities Australia, there are plenty of ways to explore your curiosity, build expertise, and shape your future in science.

Here’s an overview of what’s on offer:

Course type	Why you might be interested
Short course	Running for about 10-18 weeks, short courses allow you to explore specific topics, like climate change or forensic science. They’re also great if you want to upskill quickly.
Single subject	Single subjects are a flexible option where you can ‘test’ an area of interest without committing to a full degree. Some single subjects count towards a degree and can help you meet entry requirements.
Undergraduate degree	If you’re new to science or looking for a new career path, undergraduate certificates, diplomas, and bachelor degrees provide you with foundational knowledge and practical skills.
Postgraduate degree	Designed for professionals wanting to deepen their knowledge or specialise further, postgraduate degrees are ideal for career advancement or changing fields. Options include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and masters degrees.

Question 3

What are the entry requirements for science?

Accepted Answer

The entry requirements depend on the course you’re interested in studying and the university it’s offered through.

Some science degrees require a certain ATAR score, previous study in a maths or science-related field, or relevant work experience, while others have open entry pathways (more about this below). Check individual course pages for specific requirements.

Still not sure about the entry requirements for the science course you’re interested in? Reach out to one of our student advisors who can offer tailored advice.

Question 4

How can you help me get into a course without entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, there are still ways to start your science studies. Thanks to our partnership with universities, we offer open entry pathways into many online science courses, with no ATAR needed. Because there’s no ‘right way’ to get into uni. Instead of applying for a full degree straight away, you can enrol in 2–4 introductory subjects. When you successfully complete these subjects, you’ll be eligible for entry into the full degree. We can help you choose the right subjects to get started.

Question 5

How flexible can my studies be?

Accepted Answer

When you study through us, you have the freedom to:

start at multiple points during the year, instead of observing the traditional uni calendar
control your study load by deciding how many subjects to take at once
study subjects across multiple universities and multiple study areas

And those are only some of the flexible options available. To learn more, visit our study planning page or contact a student advisor.

Question 6

Do online science courses offer opportunities for fieldwork or internships?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many online science courses include practical components, such as virtual labs and work-based learning. Some science degrees offer placements as well, so you can gain hands-on experience in research labs, out in the field, or within health-related settings.

For more specific information, check over the course details to see what opportunities for fieldwork and internships are available.

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Study area	Why you should consider it
Agriculture	If you’re passionate about sustainable farming practices and agribusiness, this may be the field for you. From helping regional economies grow through horticulture to leading the way in a safe and sustainable farming future, agriculture offers diverse career opportunities.
Astronomy	Perfect for those fascinated by the universe and its mysteries. Astronomy is for you if you love the idea of understanding the cosmos.
Biology	If your idea of the perfect workday involves delving into the intricacies of ecosystems, living organisms, and biodiversity, biology could be your perfect fit.
Bioscience	This specialisation will have you studying living organisms, covering disciplines like genetics, ecology, and evolution. Career paths can include medical research, academia, scientific production, and more.
Biotechnology	If the application of biological systems in technology and medicine intrigues you, this specialisation can lead to areas like genetic research, drug development, and bioengineering.
Chemistry	Do you see yourself in a lab, studying matter’s properties and reactions? Chemistry can lead to careers in areas like pharmaceuticals, materials science, and chemical engineering.
Environmental science	Are you committed to helping solve environmental challenges? This field sets you on the right path and will have you studying areas such as ecosystems, pollution control, and sustainable resource management. Some courses also include work-based learning.
Mathematics	This one is for the problem solvers and abstract thinkers. Studying mathematics offers a pathway into fields like finance, data analysis, and academic research.
Physics	Ideal for anyone curious about the fundamental laws of nature. You can pursue opportunities in areas such as research, engineering, and technology development. You could even find yourself in nuclear science.

Course type	Why you might be interested
Short course	Running for about 10-18 weeks, short courses allow you to explore specific topics, like climate change or forensic science. They’re also great if you want to upskill quickly.
Single subject	Single subjects are a flexible option where you can ‘test’ an area of interest without committing to a full degree. Some single subjects count towards a degree and can help you meet entry requirements.
Undergraduate degree	If you’re new to science or looking for a new career path, undergraduate certificates, diplomas, and bachelor degrees provide you with foundational knowledge and practical skills.
Postgraduate degree	Designed for professionals wanting to deepen their knowledge or specialise further, postgraduate degrees are ideal for career advancement or changing fields. Options include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and masters degrees.