BA (Honours) in Social Sciences (Politics) Open University

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences (R23) degree. Half of your studies will be in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in knowledge and ideas central to the social sciences. For the other half, you’ll explore the fundamentals of political theory, examining the debates and conflicts inherent in a modern democracy. You’ll have an opportunity to focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply political and social theories and analytical techniques to a variety of topics that affect individuals and society, and you’ll have gained a wide range of transferable skills – opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in politics within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
• Focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas.
• Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.
• Gain a degree applicable to a wide range of professions, including international agencies and government bodies, businesses and non-governmental organisations.

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.

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.

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1 you'll study two introductory social science modules exploring the issues facing contemporary society.
• Next, at Stages 2 and 3, half your studies will be in sociology. For the other half, you’ll explore the fundamentals of political theory; examine the debates and conflicts inherent in a modern democracy; and focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas.