BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Geography) | Open University

England

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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Social Sciences

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences. You'll study core modules in social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with learning how key geographical concepts can be applied to some of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, including globalisation, development, climate change, migration and urbanisation. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply geographical and social theories to current debates, analyse and assess different types of evidence, including statistical data, and carry out independent project-based work.

R23

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

February 2027

October 2027

Distance learning

Specialise in human geography within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.

Explore real-world problems such as globalisation and climate change.

Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.

Gain a degree directly relevant to careers in planning, local government, environmental management and teaching.

R23

Honours Degree

Undergraduate

360

Part-time – 6 years

Full-time – 3 years

February 2027

October 2027

Distance learning

This social sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

At Stage 1, you’ll begin with a broad introductory module exploring key concepts, evidence and sources of knowledge in the social sciences, examining topics from criminology, development, economics, geography, politics, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology. You’ll then progress to exploring important global challenges: the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology. You’ll investigate how social science helps us understand those challenges and how you can respond to them as an active citizen.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll start your degree with:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Feb \| Oct
You'll complete this stage with:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Feb \| Oct

At Stage 2, you'll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. For your geography module, you'll choose between exploring environmental issues, investigating how social science perspectives change how we understand and respond to major environmental challenges, or examining changes in the contemporary United Kingdom from a geographical perspective.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You’ll begin this stage with:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
You’ll complete this stage with one from:
Changing geographies of the United Kingdom (D225)	60	Oct
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216)	60	Oct

At Stage 3, you’ll investigate climate change from scientific and social perspectives; explore issues of food security and biodiversity; and consider the debates and dilemmas involved in developing policy on important environmental issues. You’ll complete your degree by choosing from a range of social science modules.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct
You’ll complete your degree with:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Feb \| Oct
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Feb \| Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
You'll also choose one from the following:
Changing geographies of the United Kingdom (D225)	60	Oct
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s one 60-credit module each year.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Feb \| Oct
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Feb \| Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose one from the following:
Changing geographies of the United Kingdom (D225)	60	Oct
Environment and society (DD213)	60	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Environmental policy in an international context (DD319)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list

By studying this degree, you’ll:

Build a strong social science foundation – Start with a core module in interdisciplinary social sciences, then focus on one aspect of the social sciences or a wide-ranging study.

Understand how societies change – Critically examine social and political transformations, exploring issues like inequalities, power, governance, everyday life, and global to local processes.

Research and analyse effectively – Use qualitative and quantitative methods to develop clear, evidence-based arguments.

Gain transferable skills – Enhance communication, digital literacy, planning, independent learning, and teamwork.

You’ll be supported throughout by tutors, quality materials, interactive resources, tutorials, and individual feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) Social Sciences (Geography) upon successful completion.

Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BA (Honours) Social Sciences

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You'll study 120 credits a year

You'll need 32–36 hours per week

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

You'll study 60 credits a year

You'll need 16–18 hours per week

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

a weekly study planner, along with course materials like reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities

module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners

a clear overview of assignments and due dates

tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online.

Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor.

End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam.

Exams – Some modules have exams you will sit remotely. However, we regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination methods used in this qualification to include in-person exams or remotely invigilated (proctored) exams.

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities

Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations

Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance

Finding external/third-party material online

Online tutorials

Group-work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources

the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland

the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support

free access to Microsoft Office 365 software

IT support through our Computing Helpdesk

the chance to connect with the OU community.

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years

£4,088*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.

£24,528*

Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Honours Degree Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£29,370 £29,370
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£24,528 £24,528
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£4,842 £4,842

Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£19,580 £19,580
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£16,352 £16,352
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£3,228 £3,228

Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£9,790 £9,790
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£8,176 £8,176
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£1,614 £1,614

Qualification Qualification	Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree Honours Degree	£29,370 £29,370	£24,528 £24,528	£4,842 £4,842
Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education	£19,580 £19,580	£16,352 £16,352	£3,228 £3,228
Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education	£9,790 £9,790	£8,176 £8,176	£1,614 £1,614

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:

a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's

Fee Rules

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

You may be eligible for:

help with study-related costs like set books and internet access

a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills

funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer

a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under

a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures

funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more.

If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.

Employers value the diverse skills of the social sciences very highly. The ability to work across different academic disciplines will provide you with a broad portfolio of transferable skills, including the ability to:

interpret, analyse, and critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative evidence

apply social scientific ideas, techniques, and methods to real-world situations

communicate effectively to a variety of audiences using different media

employ a wide range of digital practices to find, use, and create data

learn autonomously and plan, conduct, and present independent work

work effectively with others to achieve joint outcomes.

A degree in the social sciences can lead to employment across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Businesses, public sector organisations and educational institutions increasingly have to deal with social issues, and value the skills that social science graduates can provide, making this degree relevant to a wide range of professions, including local government officers, civil servants, secondary school teachers, social workers, charity officials, journalists and trade union officials. You can also use your BA (Hons) Social Sciences for further study in the higher education sector.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to social graduates, particularly in business, the voluntary sector and the public sector.

You can start exploring some areas of our Careers and Employability Services now. Once you register with us, you’ll have full access to the services throughout your studies and for up to three years after you finish.

As a registered student or recent graduate, you can use online tools, resources, workshops, events and one-to-one guidance from careers professionals to explore your options, set goals, find opportunities, prepare applications, build your CV and practise your interview techniques. Whether you’re planning your first career move, changing direction or developing in your current role, you’ll find support to help you move forward with confidence.

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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

secondary school teacher

journalist

social worker

civil servant

local government official

trades union official

charity worker

business manager

university administrator.

Credit transfer: apply by 03/12/2026

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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

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Credit transfer: apply by 03/12/2026