Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You'll start Stage 1 with one compulsory module followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
- Next, at Stage 2, you'll investigate how social science is used to make sense of everyday dilemmas and choose one from a range of subjects that includes psychology, environmental issues and international development.
- Finally, at Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two advanced modules chosen from a range of subjects that includes politics, international relations, counselling, forensic psychology, crime and justice.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 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 about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules D103, DB123, DD100, DD101, DD121, DD122, DD131, DD132, DSE141
Optional module(s) – 60 credits from the following:
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:
Optional module – 60 credits from one of the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)
Gain an understanding of today’s challenging environmental issues by exploring key global concerns – life, water, carbon, and food – through a rich, interactive set of study materials.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 FINAL |
- Environment and society (DD213)
This module explores how social science perspectives change the way we understand and respond to the major environmental challenges of our time.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- International development:making sense of a changing world (TD223)
This module covers key areas such as development models, power in the international system, the relationship between poverty, inequality and livelihoods, and the impact of conflict, technology and development.
See full description
|
60 |
|
- Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)
In this module, you will learn how psychology applies to a wide range of everyday and extraordinary real-world issues, including self-esteem, sexuality, psychics and psychopaths.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Running the economy (DD209)
Learn how to think like an economist and understand the problems of running the national and global economy after the outbreak of a major economic crisis.
See full description
|
60 |
|
- Understanding criminology (DD212)
Examine the multiple ways in which criminology seeks to explain problems of crime, question the role of criminal justice and the experiences of victimisation.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)
This detailed study of political ideas, institutions and processes helps explain what politics is and who is engaged in politics locally, nationally and internationally. See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules D218, DA204, DD201, DD202, DD203, DD205, DD208, DSE212, U213, U216.
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Optional modules – 120 credits from two of the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Advancing social psychology (DD317)
This module offers new insights into contemporary lives in a changing globalised world, presenting different social psychological approaches, new developments and interdisciplinary research.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)
This module draws on recent theoretical debates and research to critically explore the fascinating relationship between counselling and forensic psychology.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Doing economics: people, markets and policy (DD309)
Examine the various economic theories that explain people’s behaviour in households, businesses and governments and make critical judgements of which alternative best serves which purpose.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 FINAL |
- 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 |
- International relations: continuity and change in global politics (DD313)
Studying this module will help you to understand the key areas of change and the major problems in international relations today.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Making social worlds (DD308)
Explore how we operate in social worlds and how social experience is shaped and made meaningful through topics such as immigration, medicine, family, money and reality television.
See full description
|
60 |
|
- 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 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules DD301, DD303, DD304, DD305, DD306, DD307, DU301, DU311.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Hons) 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
- 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.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Combined Social Sciences 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
This interdisciplinary degree covers a wide range of subjects and perspectives, demonstrating your adaptability and versatility to employers, who’ll also value your ability to evaluate data and evidence, and to integrate rather than compartmentalise knowledge. You’ll be able to draw together ideas about a range of issues affecting individuals and society, including: the economy; work; gender; race; social inequalities; social norms; crime; policy; environment; international studies; and relationships – and develop valuable transferable skills including:
- using ICT to research, select and present information
- analysing and evaluating data
- clear, concise written communication
- assembling reasoned arguments for particular audiences
- using a range of formats: essays, presentations, reports, collaborative working, online forums
- valuing critical feedback to reflect on progress and improve your work
- working under your own steam and without constant direction.
Career relevance
Employers rate social science graduates highly for the diversity of their transferable skills and breadth of mind. Career opportunities can be found across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Education, central and local government, finance, health and social care, law, the media, public services, campaigning and research are popular career choices.
- the care and resettlement of offenders
- civil liberties
- human rights
- social justice
- victim support
- crime prevention
- community safety
- conflict resolution.
Other careers
Other relevant careers include:
- banking
- politics
- journalism and broadcasting
- teaching
- social work
- policing and criminal justice
- planning and environmental management
- accountancy
- business and commerce
- public relations, media and market research
- advertising and marketing.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Some may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
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):
- teacher
- lecturer
- social worker
- advertising planner
- marketing executive
- human resources manager
- researcher
- counsellor
- retail manager
- occupational psychologist
- television broadcaster
- journalist
- charity campaigner
- lawyer
- civil servant.