Introduction
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 first explore psychology through a range of real-world issues including love, sexuality and artificial intelligence before opting to study either social psychology or counselling and forensic psychology. On completion of this degree, you’ll be able to apply psychological and social theories to a broad range of practical and real-world issues, using data analysis and analytical techniques to understand a variety of topics that affect individuals and society. You’ll also 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 psychology within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
- Explore cutting edge, topical real-world problems to gain an understanding of the behaviours of individuals and social groups.
- Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.
Please note: completion of this degree will not make you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) conferred by the British Psychological Society.
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 sciences module that also introduces you to some of the key issues in psychology. You’ll then move on to an introductory psychology module, exploring some of the important theories and methods that help psychologists understand how individuals and society interact.
Next, at Stages 2 and 3, half your studies will be in sociology. For the other half, you’ll investigate fascinating and topical issues to do with human behaviour and the workings of the mind.