BA/BSc (Honours) International Studies
On this page
Degree
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 360 credits
Description
Our world is divided into many different societies. Yet it is increasingly interconnected. Relationships between nations, companies, cultures and individuals extend across regions and the globe. The BA/BSc (Honours) International Studies enables you to explore the political, economic and cultural issues that these complex interconnections create. The core concerns of this degree course range from international politics, diplomacy, cooperation, war and security to international economics and development; from cultural and religious interactions between different societies to global environmental problems. Although International Studies at the OU has a particular emphasis on development and the issues and problems facing developing countries, this degree is also concerned with the overall political make-up of the international system and the sources of order and disorder within it. Throughout your studies, you’ll have specialist, subject-based academic support and the chance to join in online communities of other social sciences students for teaching, learning and peer support.
How to register
Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.
Career relevance and employability
An international studies degree is applicable to a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies (national and European), businesses and non-governmental organisations. If you choose one of the language options, it may add to your professional opportunities.
Employers value the diversity of transferable skills that this degree course develops, along with breadth of mind and ability to critically analyse processes of change. You’ll be able to analyse problems relating to a range of international issues including: co-operation and conflict; cultural difference; development and international economic change. Key transferable skills include the ability to:
- use a range of communication technologies to independently research, select and present information
- analyse and critically evaluate information and data
- write and communicate concisely and clearly
- assemble reasoned arguments for particular audiences
- use a range of formats: essays, presentations, reports, collaborative working, online forums
- use strategies to update your knowledge
- value critical feedback to reflect on your progress and improve your work.
These skills will also be valuable for other roles not directly related to your degree – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing careers.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Studies degree. Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from those modules above Level 1 listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Environment, Development and International Studies and Social Sciences.
Study explained
- Costs
- - find out how much you can expect to pay.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
Browse the prospectus
Get a prospectus
Download ororder
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.