BA (Honours) Philosophy and Psychological Studies
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Philosophy and psychology seek to answer profound questions about us, our minds, our behaviour, and our place in the social and physical universe. What makes us happy? Do humans display irrational biases? How can I, a mere physical being, have thoughts and emotions? How does science progress and can I trust it? By what moral authority does the state rule over me? Who should get what? Is there a god? By studying this degree course in philosophy and psychological studies you’ll learn to: read and understand scientific and historical texts; construct and analyse arguments; understand and use a range of research methods; and express your ideas clearly and logically. These skills are relevant to a broad range of career opportunities, including media, marketing, financial and social services, administration and management.
Note: completion of this degree course will not make you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) conferred by the British Psychological Society.
How to apply
To study for this qualification, you will need to choose a pathway from the list below.
Our qualifications have up to three start points in the year, October, February or April.
You should apply in good time and if you are seeking financial support or applying for credit transfer, check our application
timetable on the How to register page.
Our qualifications are available to residents of the UK and many
other European countries. Read Where can I study? to see the list of countries from which we accept direct
applications.
Key facts
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360
credits
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There are no formal entry requirements to study this degree.
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Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
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Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study, and from there apply online.
Career relevance and employability
The disciplines brought together in this degree in philosophy and psychology are highly regarded by employers, who prize graduates’ reasoning ability, clear thinking and specialist knowledge. Relevant careers include:
- public administration, local government, the civil service, social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries, public relations
- education and health
- management and human resources
- police and the law
- business, banking and retail
- charities, campaigning and policy development.
This degree course develops skills vital to effective decision-making in complex organisations:
- selecting, interpreting, evaluating and presenting data
- identifying and using relevant information in constructing an argument
- appreciating different ways to conceptualise and address a question
- seeing different sides in a debate while being able to reason in favour of one
- thinking coherently about both abstract and practical matters.
You’ll also sharpen your writing and IT skills. All these attributes are greatly sought after in the world beyond study, whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.
There’s 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 you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Philosophy and Psychological Studies degree.
Your honours degree will be classified as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
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.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
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