Skip to content The Open University
  1. Study at the OU
  2. Undergraduate
  3. Social Sciences
  4. Social Policy

Social Policy

On this page

An image to illustrate studying social policy at The Open University

Care of older people, lone motherhood, education, poverty and unemployment are among a long list of matters of national concern. Setting social policy is all about how we as a society decide who receives support, what form it takes, and who delivers it to the individuals who are thought to be vulnerable and in need. Should it be the state that delivers support? Or the market, charities or families?

Studying social policy you’ll explore a variety of issues that are defined as social problems, and learn how governments tackle them. You’ll appreciate how issues like disability, race and sexuality influence the development of social policies and welfare practices.

From a career perspective, you’ll find your studies will be of particular value if you’re involved in, or plan to work in the criminal justice system, health care, housing, local government, public services, social welfare, or the voluntary sector.

Degrees

  • Combined Social Sciences
    Develop a rich synthesis of knowledge and skills drawn from the breadth of social sciences subjects: criminology; economics; geography; politics; psychology; sociology; and social policy.
  • Social Policy and Criminology
    Prepare for a career in welfare, government, public health or criminal justice agencies with this degree which examines the historical and contemporary development of social policy and criminology.
  • 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.

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 Social Policy.

Undergraduate

Our 2012 Guides to OU Study are out now!
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.

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

Employers' questions

Contact Corporate Enquiries
Visit our website for employers or Email us

Get a prospectus

Download or
order