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Social Science

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These fee-paying OU Courses are organised in collaboration with police partners, into categories of interest for all police officers and staff. All courses, except the short course, are credit bearing, which when combined form part of an OU qualification.

Select the duration of study below and you will be taken to resources that match that duration.

9 months (part time)

9 months (part time)

Introducing the social sciences

This level 1 module provides an introduction to the social sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology. You’ll explore a wide range of topics which shape the nature of contemporary UK society; from questions of identity, inequalities and differences to consumerism and environment, and issues of social order, disorder and governance.

Course code: DD102

Credits: 60

Investigating the social world

This multidisciplinary module uses a range of learning technologies to help you understand the social world. Drawing on the subjects of criminology, social policy, economics, environmental studies, geography, international studies, politics and sociology. Through the module’s investigative approach you’ll learn the methods, perspectives and tools of the social sciences, further developing your analytical and evaluative skills.

Course code: DD103

Credits: 60

Issues in research with children and young people

This module examines the research process through studies with young children, children and young people carried out in the fields of education, health and social care. It explores topics central to the research process such as ethics, diversity, power and the responsibilities of researchers. This is a project-based module with no exam and it will help you to develop your own research and analytical skills.

Course code: EK313

Credits: 60

Making social worlds

In order to survive, human beings live in social worlds, which create security, foster stable attachment between individuals and things, and regulate behaviour. Through topics such as medicine, the family, money and reality television, you will explore how social experience is shaped by the material world, and made meaningful through culture.

Course code: DD308

Credits: 60

Mental health and community

This module examines how aspects of the external environment (e.g., social, environmental, economic and political factors) shape and constrain our understandings and experiences of mental health and distress. It explores the theories and concepts that underpin and challenge mental health practice and service provision and looks at the impact of the frequently competing perspectives that characterise the world of mental health.

Course code: K240

Credits: 60

People, work and society Access module

This access course covers a broad range of subject areas, including children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science to prepare you for a range of qualifications. You’ll study four themes: Individuals; Families and relationships; Organisations and communities; and Society. It will also gently introduce you to computing and online learning; and essential study skills needed for higher education.

Course code: Y032

Credits: 30

Perspectives in health and social care

Studying this module will help you get to grips with three important areas which affect us all - health and wellbeing, mental health and ageing and later life. You’ll be introduced to some of the key concepts, theories and debates and explore a rich mixture of real-life case studies, audio-visual material and academic texts, all developed by experts drawing on cutting-edge research.

Course code: K118

Credits: 60

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May 22

Online Seminar: Trust and confidence in policing

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 13:00 to 14:30

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Online Membership Group Meeting

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