BA (Honours) in Social Sciences
Open University
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,924 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* cost per year full-time; £3,462 - cost per year part-time
Introduction
In a fast-changing world, the social sciences seek answers to the big questions we face as a society. Those answers inform the work of anyone needing to base their decisions on the best available evidence – civil servants, policymakers, business executives and many more. Half of your studies will be interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in knowledge and ideas central to the social sciences. For the other half, you can specialise in criminology, economics, geography, politics, philosophy, psychology, religious studies or sociology, or you can choose a combination of modules that most suits your interests. Whatever path you take, you will acquire valuable transferable skills opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.
Key features of the course
- Provides a thorough introduction to the social sciences and explores a range of topical social, political and economic issues
- Gives you the option to specialise in criminology, economics, geography, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology
- Applies cutting edge social science theory and knowledge to real-world situations
- Enhances your employability, equipping you with valued skills, including the ability to analyse and evaluate evidence, and communicate specialist ideas and information to different audiences.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Social Sciences uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
- working in a group with other students
- finding external/third party material online
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.
Program Outcome
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Curriculum
Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with an introductory social science module, and depending on your intended route through the qualification, continue with a broad-based study of social science or specialise in one area.
- Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you’ll continue to combine modules from across the social sciences curriculum or complete the study of your named specialist route.
Prepare for OU study with an Access module
We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.