Social Sciences
A postgraduate qualification in social sciences can be a passport to some of the most challenging and rewarding fields of employment. Central and local government, education, planning, health and social care, law, market research, the media, and public services are common career choices.
Our postgraduate social sciences courses give you the opportunity to study for general or research interests, for further professional development in a particular subject, or to enhance your career prospects with a high-level qualification. You can take courses on a stand-alone basis, or combine them to gain a social sciences postgraduate certificate or diploma. However, the vast majority of our students go on to complete a masters degree.
Browse this website and discover the wide variety of postgraduate courses in social sciences, designed to help you work towards the qualification of your choice.
Where to start in Social Sciences
You must have a UK honours degree (or equivalent) to embark on the awards below, and you will need the basic skills that would be expected of a graduate of psychology or social sciences. We recommend that you start your postgraduate studies with one of the following courses. For either of the two Research Methods awards Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods (E12) or MSc in Social Research Methods (F24) we recommend that you start with course Introduction to research: basic skills and survey methods (DT840). For the other awards you should start with course Investigating the social world (D822) or Investigating the psychological world (D821).
Taught Masters
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Forensic Psychology and Criminology
Develops understanding of forensic psychology and criminology, enhances research and analytical skills and upgrades qualifications. Will suit anyone with a broad interest and appropriate entry qualifications. -
Social Policy and Criminology
This MA encourages you to think critically and creatively about social policy and welfare practices; you can explore the ways in which criminological issues are embedded in the broader domain of social policy. -
Social Research Methods
Advanced training in social research methods, with options including social policy, experimental design, discourse analysis, justice and social control. -
Social Sciences
This MA provides advanced study in social science theory and research. Options include psychology, social policy and criminology or environmental policy.
Certificates
Courses in Social Sciences
See the list of all our individual courses in Social Sciences.
Postgraduate research degrees
For information about postgraduate research degrees, visit the Research Degree pages.
Undergraduate options
See the list of undergraduate courses and qualifications in Social Sciences.
Spotlight on Social Sciences
A thriving research culture
Studying with the OU ensures that you benefit both from our tradition of excellence and innovation in teaching, and the latest thinking on real-world issues, as programme content is fed by our vibrant research culture.
Three subject areas
Our postgraduate programme currently offers qualifications in three main areas: social research methods; social policy and criminology; and the social sciences.
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