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Faculty of Social Sciences

Are you ready for DD101?

Frequently asked questions

We will seek to answer common questions in this section about Introducing the social sciences (DD101). If you have an enquiry, please contact the Student Registration & Enquiry Service on +44 (0)845 300 60 90.

  1. How can I register for DD101?
  2. I really want to study DD101, but I'm not sure I can afford it – Can The Open University help?
  3. Who do I contact if I have any Questions/Problems concerning my study with the Open University?
  4. How much Preparatory Work do I have to do?
  5. How much time will I need to spend each week studying DD101?
  6. I have little or no computer experience
  7. I do not have a computer of my own – will this be a problem?
  8. Can I use OU materials on machines in public libraries?
  9. When will I get my course materials?
  10. What should I do if my course materials do not arrive?
  11. When will I get the details of my tutor?
  12. When can I start using the online forums?
How can I register for DD101?

Introducing the social sciences (DD101) is a great entry point for a wide variety of qualifications and awards. To learn more about studying with The Open University and the study options available to you, go to Study at the OU or call +44 (0)845 300 60 90 to speak to a member of our student registration and advisory service.

I really want to study DD101, but I'm not sure I can afford it – Can The Open University help?

Depending on your financial circumstances the University may be able to offer financial support.

Who do I contact if I have any questions/problems concerning my study with The Open University?

If you encounter any problems or have any questions concerning studying DD101 we do have staff who will be able to help you. Contact numbers for the regional advisory service can be found on our national and regional centres page.

How much Preparatory Work do I have to do?

All of the suggestions in this website are optional and you only need do what you have time to do prior to the course. DD101 has been designed so that all the content and study skills materials can be worked through over the 30 weeks of the course.

How much time will I need to spend each week studying DD101?

DD101 has been designed on the basis that students will spend, on average, 20 hours a week studying the course and doing other tasks associated with being an OU student.

I have little or no computer experience

The best place to start is with the BBC's Computer Tutor, an excellent beginner's guide which covers the basics of using a computer. Then you might look at WebWise, also from the BBC. This is a step-by-step guide to using the internet. If you already have some computer experience, you might find the OU's PC4Study website helpful. If you're thinking about buying a computer, the OU online computing guide has advice about software and internet access - you need to be a registered student to acces the OU computing guide website.

I do not have a computer of my own – will this be a problem?

You should have no problems using the course's online resources in public libraries. You need to make sure that you have some headphones if you want to listen to the audios or the videos on DD101 on a computer in a public library as most require you to keep noise to a minimum.

Can I use OU materials on machines in public libraries?

Yes, you should be able to. All public libraries have internet enabled computers available to the general public. Access to these computers may be free or there may be a small charge (with most libraries charging for printing). They can be very popular, so you may have to book.

When will I get my course materials?

Materials are usually sent out between 2 and 4 weeks before the course starts,. You can check when these are due using the materials dispatch tab on StudentHome.

What should I do if my course materials do not arrive?

You can track when your course materials were sent to you via the materials dispatch tab from student home. If they have not arrived 10 days after they should have been dispatched, you should contact the University and they will send a replacement set.

When will I get the details of my tutor?

You will get the details of your tutor around two weeks before the course starts.

When can I start using the online forums?

The course website will open about 10 days before the course starts and forums will appear soon after the start date. You can however start using the Open University Students Association (OUSA) forums as soon as you have registered as a student with the Open University.