We live in turbulent times. Amongst the many challenges we face, the climate crisis, digital technology and the legacies of colonialism and enslavement are raising far-reaching questions about how we live. Some of those questions are about everyday things, for example, is digital technology good or bad; are our lives environmentally sustainable? Others are much bigger, for instance, how have inequalities between the Global North and Global South come about, and are they just and fair? Social science has vital contributions to make to all of those debates. In this module, you'll explore how social science helps us understand these challenges and, just as importantly, how we can use social scientific knowledge to bring about change.
The module is divided into three blocks:
Block 1 introduces the global challenges the module addresses: the climate crisis, digital technology and the legacies of colonialism and enslavement. It begins with a two-week case study focusing on the smartphone and goes on to study each of the global challenges in turn. You'll investigate what social scientific knowledge is and how it helps make sense of the challenges, as well as being introduced to the three big themes that run through the module: the local and global; inequality and social justice; and knowledge and power.
Block 2 takes a closer look at the challenges. To do so, you'll study one of three 'strands' covering: geography, development and environmental studies; politics, philosophy, economics and international relations; or religious studies, sociology and general social science. On some qualifications, you will be able to choose a strand, but on most, you'll be directed to the one relevant to your studies.
Block 3 changes gear. Over ten weeks, you'll consider how social change occurs and assess how social science contributes to it. You'll also learn some of the practical skills involved in being an effective change-maker, equipping you to go out and make a difference in your locality, workplace and the wider world.
Throughout the module, you'll be introduced to a wide range of social scientific ideas and thinkers. The social scientists you'll study come from around the world and include experts in development studies, economics, environmental studies, geography, international relations, philosophy, political science, religious studies and sociology. You will also be introduced to activists, practitioners and policy makers who are responding to global challenges – everyone from India’s clean air campaigners, the Warrior Moms to Sander, a Hong Kong dissident and pro-democracy activist.
Finally, you'll think about how global challenges are debated. Which voices dominate the conversation, and who is left out? Why might we need new faces around the table? And when is social science part of the problem rather than the solution?
By studying this module you'll learn about some of the major global challenges facing the world and how social science helps us make sense of and respond to those challenges.
You will also gain confidence and skills in:
The module is relevant to a wide range of jobs in the public, voluntary, community and commercial sectors. Many of the skills you'll develop are relevant to any job. These skills include managing your time, working with other people, and reflecting on your learning. However, other skills you'll learn – assessing evidence and evaluating arguments, in particular – are directly relevant to jobs where the ability to think critically is at a premium.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll be provided with three textbooks and have access to a module website which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
D113 is a compulsory module in our:
D113 is an option module in our:
Global challenges: social science in action starts twice a year – in February and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026 and February 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2035.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| No current presentation |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
