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Social Sciences

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Thousands of students take social sciences courses with the OU each year. The appeal is broad because the many subjects that come under the social sciences umbrella provide fascinating insights into everyday life in our communities, families and workplaces.

Studying our undergraduate social sciences courses you’ll engage with some of the most compelling and contested questions in contemporary society: How do we communicate with each other? Why do places carry meaning for people? What are our rights as citizens? Why are we so fascinated by crime? What shapes our identity and why?

Our social sciences courses will stimulate your curiosity, encourage you to ask questions and challenge assumptions, and help you understand yourself – and the world we live in – more deeply. You’ll also develop a whole range of different skills that will be valuable in your personal life, and in your job.

Where to start in Social Sciences

If you’re just getting started in this subject, a good start would be Introducing the social sciences (DD101) or, if you want to go more slowly, the equivalent two 30-point courses starting with Introducing the social sciences - part one (DD131) and Introducing the social sciences - part 2 (DD132). These courses will develop the study skills, the knowledge and the understanding that you’ll need for the successful completion of further study in this subject.

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

  • Computing with Psychological Studies
    This degree combines two popular and important disciplines, and equips you for a very wide range of careers.
  • Criminology and Psychological Studies
    Our society is fascinated by crime and punishment. This degree will help you understand the issues behind the headlines.
  • Economics and Mathematical Sciences
    You’ll gain a good grounding in a broad range of mathematical, statistical and computational skills as well as an understanding of economic theory and issues.
  • Philosophy and Psychological Studies
    Explore concepts, theories, methods and debates in philosophy and psychology, relevant to a broad range of careers, including advertising and marketing, social services, administration and management.
  • Politics, Philosophy and Economics
    An internationally recognised combination of subjects, providing you with skills and understanding particularly relevant to many areas of public service, including civil and diplomatic services and local government.
  • 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.
  • Social Sciences
    How does society work? And how does it change? Studying social science can change the way you look at the world forever.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Foundation Degrees

  • Counselling
    The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Counselling will provide an understanding of the theory and skills required to practise as a professional counsellor.
  • Financial Services
    This foundation degree will give you the knowledge, competencies and business skills to develop and progress a career in the financial services industry.

Courses in Social Sciences

See the list of all our individual courses in Social Sciences.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Social Sciences.

Spotlight on Social Sciences

Award winning course!

Living political ideas (DD306) has won a prestigious award for its innovative teaching material. The judges of the British Universities Film & Video Council Learning on Screen Awards 2009 commended this course as a successful integration of multimedia teaching, and as an innovative way of delivering a course of real depth, which they found engaging and stimulating. This reinforces the positive feedback from students studying this new course.

Are you ready for Level 1 study?

Even if you aren’t particularly interested in personal finance this taster material for our very popular course You and your money (DB123) will help you understand what can be involved in Level 1 study, and will give you a sense of how your study is supported. If the level seems about right for you, you can confidently think about tackling any of our many Level 1 courses.

Careers in the social sciences

Many graduates and postgraduates in the social sciences work in some of the most rewarding and challenging fields of employment in society today. These include central and local government, the voluntary sector, social welfare, public relations, campaigning organisations and market research. Find out more about the OU Careers Advisory Service.

 

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Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90

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