Choose a speciality to explore your study options
Develop your scientific mind and forge a better future
If you’ve always had an inquisitive nature, studying science will give you the chance to ask critical questions about the world around us, setting you up for a lifetime of learning.
Whether you want to explore our solar system, investigate the origin of life, or design new environmental solutions—you’ll find your perfect online science course here.
Popular science degrees
Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG
Available majors
- Core Zone: Major in Biology
Postgraduate SWI-AST-GCE
Postgraduate ECU-ESC-GDI
Postgraduate USQ-SMS-MAS
Popular science subjects
Undergraduate LTU-CHM101
Related degrees
- Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity
- Diploma of Arts
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Diploma in Health Sciences
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX1210
Related degrees
Postgraduate SWI-AST80004
Postgraduate CUR-NPSC5004
Related degrees
Why study science online through us?
Access quality university courses without needing an ATAR
Enjoy your pick of courses from across the country, no matter where you’re based
Study more flexibly with single subjects, short courses and degrees available to start throughout the year
How Open Universities Australia (OUA) works
We partner with leading universities to make higher education easier for everyone to access. We're here to:
- offer you guidance on your course choices.
- unlock more flexible study options for you with your university.
- ease your mental load by supporting you with your student admin.
Science careers
Studying science will help you carve out a career that you’re passionate about. You could find yourself in the lab, out in the field, or even communicating with the public.Industries where graduates work:
Science professionals are in demand across a huge range of industries and scientific disciplines. Graduates use their skills in agriculture, technology, healthcare, environmental consulting, engineering, research, teaching, and science communication.
You might also be interested in these study areas:
Meet Sophie, who took science for a test run
"I always knew that I liked science, but Open Universities Australia helped me narrow down what field I wish to study after high school."Frequently asked questions about science
How do I choose the right science specialisation for my career goals?
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. |
What types of science courses are available to study online?
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. |
What are the entry requirements for science?
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.
How can you help me get into a course without entry requirements?
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.
How flexible can my studies be?
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.
Do online science courses offer opportunities for fieldwork or internships?
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.
What to read before choosing your course
Help! What degree should I study?
You know you want to go to uni, but you have no clue what course to study. First of all, don’t panic. This is a very, very common problem, and one we’re known for solving. The following advice should help you narrow down your choices.
Student allowances explained: What payments can you get?
If you’re studying full-time, you may be eligible for income support. Find out about the three main types of Centrelink payments for students, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance.
University entry requirements explained
Learn more about how admission criteria works when you're applying for university—and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements.
Why single subject study could be perfect for you
Did you know you can take a single university subject without committing to the whole qualification? It’s a great way to upskill—or to give your degree a test run.
Find out more about how to get started
Speak to a student advisor for:
- free, impartial advice
- expert knowledge about courses and unis
- personalised recommendations
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us.