Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll begin Stage 1 with a choice of introductory modules – focusing on either social sciences or the environment. You’ll follow this with up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study a core module in international development followed by a module selected from a range of options.
- Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll take a core module in international relations and conclude your degree with further study, either building on topics already encountered or broadening your study into a new area.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Optional modules – 60 credits from one of the following:
*You should only study DB125 if you have already passed another 30 credit module from the discontinued modules listed below.
Or, subject to the rules of excluded combinations, the discontinued 60-credit modules D103, DD100, DD101, the discontinued 30-credit modules DB123, DD121, DD122, DD131, DD132, DSE141,T171, T172, T175
Optional module(s) – 60 credits:
A maximum of 60 credits from free choice at OU level 1, 2, 3 or postgraduate, including not more than 30 credits from Openings modules or the discontinued Short module
Science starts here (S154)..
Visit our search page to find out more information about each of the modules you could study.
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 60 credits from the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- International development: making sense of a changing world (TD223) – now discontinued (60)}
|
60 |
|
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module U213
Optional modules: – 60 credits from one of the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A200, A213, A217, AD252, D214, D215, D216, D271, DD200, DD202, DD203, DD205, DD209, DDZX200, L203, L204, L211, L210 paired with L302, L213 paired with L303, L221/LL221 paired with L224, L230/LL230 paired with L231, LL203, LL204, LZX203*, LZX204, LZX211, U205, U206, U210, U212, U214, U216.
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 60 credits from the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module DU301
Optional modules – 60 credits from one of the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)
This module explores the main policies that have been formulated in response to environmental problems such as climate change, ozone depletion and loss of biodiversity.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)
This module introduces you to world history from 1453 to the early twenty-first century. It does this by looking at British and rival empires, including those of Europe, China, the Mughals and the Ottomans.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Europe 1914–1989: war, peace, modernity (A327)
This module examines Europe’s economic, social, medical and cultural history, as well as political and military developments from the First World War to the Cold War.
See full description
|
60 |
Sep 2024 |
- French studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L332)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of French-speaking societies and extend your language competence.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of German-speaking societies and extend your language competence.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Modern political ideas (DD316)
This module will explore the ways in which political ideas help us understand important questions like national identity, citizenship, the state and democracy and revolution.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Spanish studies 3: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L336)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking societies and extend your language competence.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
Or subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A326, AA300, AA307, AAZX300, AT308, B300, B301, D316, DD302, DD304, DD306, DU310, DU311, L210 paired with L302/LZX302, L303 paired with L213, L310, L313, L314, LZX310, LZX313, LZX314
The OU level 1 and compulsory modules listed can count towards this degree after we have stopped presenting them: for twenty years for OU level 1 modules and ten years for compulsory modules. Please see the module descriptions for future availability.
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) International Studies 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
- working in a group with other students
- finding external/third party material online.
All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.
If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
Credit transfer
If you have already had an award of credit transfer for university level study, you may still be able to count it towards another Open University qualification – to allow you to continue your studies and achieve your goal.
Your credit will need to be reassessed and you may need to resubmit evidence of your previous study. If you want to transfer additional credit that hasn’t already been assessed, we will need to see original evidence of this additional study.
To discuss your study choice and for more details of how to reapply for credit transfer, please contact your SST.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Studies degree.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from those modules above OU level 1 listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at OU level 3.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Skills for career development
Employers value the diversity of transferable skills that this degree course develops. You’ll be able to analyse problems relating to a range of international issues including: co-operation and conflict; cultural difference; development and international economic change. Key transferable skills include the abilities to:
- use a range of communication technologies to independently research, select and present information
- analyse and critically evaluate information and data
- write and communicate concisely and clearly
- assemble reasoned arguments for particular audiences
- use a range of formats: essays, presentations, reports, collaborative working, online forums
- use strategies to update your knowledge
- value critical feedback to reflect on your progress and improve your work.
Career relevance
An international studies degree is applicable to a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies (national and European), businesses and non-governmental organisations. Choosing one of the language options may add further to your professional opportunities.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- government social research officer
- diplomat
- charity officer
- politician's assistant
- public relations account executive
- social researcher
- diplomatic services operational officer
- market researcher
- newspaper journalist
- civil service administrator
- risk analyst
- investment banker
- international trade researcher
- TEFL teacher
- terrorism analyst.