Accessibility statement

Politics shapes every part of our lives, from the local decisions that affect our communities to global challenges that cross borders. At The Open University, you’ll explore how power operates, how ideas influence policy and how societies are governed. You can study politics on its own or alongside subjects such as history, philosophy, economics or international relations, developing insight and skills that can lead to careers in public service, policy, media and beyond.

Stage 1120 credits

Stage 2120 credits

Stage 3120 credits

Total of 360 credits

How long will it take?

Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 6 years

Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 3 years

Stage 1120 credits

Stage 2120 credits

Total of 240 credits

 

How long will it take?

Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 4 years

Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 2 years

Stage 1120 credits

Total of 120 credits

 

 

How long will it take?

Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 2 years

Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 1 year

The Politics and International Studies team at The Open University are well versed in opening up seemingly inaccessible topics and communicating them clearly. We regularly collaborate with the BBC to deliver innovative and informative radio and television programmes, and our courses are made equally engaging and exploratory.

Study politics with The Open University to:

An understanding of politics is central to knowledge of how modern societies are organised and governed. Studying this subject will give you a combination of skills highly in demand across the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Some of the employers which politics graduates go on to work for include:

Study individual modules to build your skills or explore a new interest – and count them towards a qualification if you decide to take your studies further.

See our full list of Politics modules

Browse all the Politics courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Politics courses

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