Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences
On this page
Certificate
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credits
Description
Are you interested in what shapes the lives we lead and the decisions we make? Have you wondered why people continue to smoke when they know the risks, or why governments want to reorganise the NHS? Social scientists build theories and conduct research to understand why and how people, groups and institutions respond to change, exercise power and make decisions. The Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences provides a compelling introduction to social science approaches, and a springboard to further study. You’ll gain fascinating insights into everyday life in our communities, personal lives and workplaces, drawing on ideas from sociology, economics, social policy, psychology, geography, criminology, and politics. This certificate course will also develop a range of skills centring on the effective use of analysis and written argument that will be valuable at work and in your personal life. You’ll have your own specialist, subject-based academic support as well as opportunities 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
The Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences is equivalent to the first year of a full-time degree. It’s a valuable qualification in its own right, but if you’d like to continue studying, you’ll have a sound foundation on which to build. For example, you could progress to the Diploma of Higher Education in Combined Social Sciences and then to the BA (Hons) Combined Social Sciences, or another of our social sciences degrees.
You’ll find that many skills you acquire by studying this certificate course translate well into the workplace, including:
- clarity of written communication
- critical thinking and analysis
- concise presentation of arguments
- understanding the connection between theories and evidence
- problem solving; time management
- self-motivation
- use of critical feedback to improve work
- basic numerical skills
Employers in all fields place a high value on people who can select from and analyse a large amount of complex information, and then make logical and concise use of it. This certificate course opens up employment opportunities across the whole range of occupations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. These include national and local government, health and social welfare, police, education, charitable organisations, public relations, media, planning and environmental management, the criminal justice system, market research, law, business and commerce.
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.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you can claim the Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences and will be entitled to use the letters CertHE (Open) after your name.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in 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.