News

Wednesday 4 July 2007

New route to Chemistry and Physics degrees offered

Students in the East Midlands can gain Chemistry or Physics degrees by studying for two years part-time with the Open University (OU) followed by two years full-time, under a new “2+2” scheme that aims to increase opportunities and attract more students into science. Nottingham Trent University is one of six universities that are working with the OU to offer this alternative way of gaining an honours degree.

The 2+2 scheme aims to encourage more people into Chemistry and Physics, which the Government has identified as strategically important, but vulnerable due to insufficient applicants.

Students will be able to start the scheme by joining the OU with no formal qualifications. Progression to Nottingham Trent University is conditional upon successful completion of their OU studies.

Students who join the scheme will begin by studying at home with support from OU tutors. “This means students can study when and where it suits them,” said Dr Hazel Rymer, Associate Dean of Science at the OU. “We expect many students will be in full-time or part-time work while they study with the OU.” During their OU study students will maintain the link with Nottingham Trent University by attending open days and special events.

After students have successfully completed their OU study, they will join with other Chemistry and Physics students at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton campus. Successful students will gain a BSc (Hons) Chemistry or Physics degree from the University.

“This is an excellent new way to get more students interested in the exciting and vital subject areas of Physics and Chemistry," said Professor Yvonne Barnett, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University. “A number of our former students have come through a route similar to this one in the past and have been very successful in obtaining a BSc degree before embarking on successful scientific careers.”

The Institute of Physics, which is backing the scheme, said it was an exciting new way to get a Physics degree. “The flexibility of study, together with the excellent courses offered by the OU and Nottingham Trent University, represents an excellent opportunity to offer the considerable benefits of an education in the physical sciences to a broader range of students.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry, who is also backing this scheme, said it was an ideal route for people without the usual entry qualifications and it will equip students to meet the opportunities and challenges of a career in Chemistry.

Anyone interested in taking part in the scheme should contact:

Chemistry
Admissions Tutor: Dr Joan Halfpenny, telephone +44 (0)115 848 3312

Physics
Admissions Tutor: Dr Carl Brown, telephone +44 (0)115 848 3184

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Press enquiries please contact: Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email.

The Open University: Neil Coaten, +44 (0)1908 652580