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International Studies

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Do the problems, challenges, and opportunities of our inter-connected world make you want to understand more about the contemporary international political, economic and cultural landscape?

Are you interested in a career where you engage directly with real-world issues in an international setting – perhaps working in the civil or diplomatic service, overseas development, journalism, the private sector or research? Do you want to be a ‘good global citizen’ with a well-rounded knowledge of the international agenda and the challenges that are increasingly important to our future?

Either way, taking an international studies course or qualification with the OU is an excellent place to start. You’ll gain a broad appreciation of key aspects of the global order, as well as the dynamics of the international system; cultural diversity; world poverty and inequality; and international institutions. You’ll also gain a critical understanding of what is being done to address these challenges.

Degrees

  • Business Studies with International Development
    This is a flexible degree that’s accessible and relevant to your workplace. You’ll study how organisations work, how they’re managed, and the external world in which they operate.
  • International Studies
    This degree will enable you to analyse contemporary international issues; grasp key political, economic, environmental and cultural aspects of the international order; and understand international institutions, politics and policy.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree is a qualification that gives you a huge choice in terms of subjects and modules that you study to make up your degree.

Diplomas of Higher Education

Certificates of Higher Education

Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course

If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.

Study a module as a standalone course

You can study a single module on its own for personal interest or to improve your career prospects. See the list of all our individual courses in International Studies.

Undergraduate

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Everything you need to know about the OU and an introduction to our degree courses.
Are you already an OU student ? Go to StudentHome for information on choosing your next module.

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