This module offers you the opportunity, sensibilities, knowledge, and skills to undertake an independent investigation of how geographical relations shape a dimension of your everyday life. It culminates in the submission of a 7000-word dissertation. The module is structured primarily so that you're guided through the process of translating an initial matter of concern related to your everyday life into a geographical research question about which data can be generated, analysis undertaken, and findings produced.
The five blocks of the module are organised as follows:
Each block is structured into three teaching weeks that have been designed around a particular conversation:
For the first two-thirds of the module, your study will involve you reading a 5000-word chapter and working through a set of online materials that bring to life, build on, and extend the book material. Then, for the final third, you'll have minimal substantive new module materials to engage with so you can focus on continuing your research and generating your dissertation.
Throughout, the module is informed by an ethos that centres on the contribution of diverse geographical scholarships, especially as they help flesh out both what a careful geographical research practice might look like (and why it is so important) and how to think about the everyday relationally (and what difference that makes).
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 will be provided with the two module books 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.
D325 is a compulsory module in our:
D325 is an option module in our:
Researching everyday geographies starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2033.
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.
This is an OU level 3 dissertation module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at OU levels 1 and 2 and should be studied as part of a qualification.
Normally, you should have successfully completed OU level 1 and level 2 modules that contain a substantial Geography component before you study D325. Studying Environment (U116) and either Investigating the social world (DD103) (now discontinued) or Global challenges: social science in action (D113) is recommended. Also, the OU level 2 modules Environment and society (DD213) and Changing geographies of the United Kingdom (D225).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, especially if you have not successfully completed Changing geographies of the United Kingdom (D225), please contact an adviser.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying D325 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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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.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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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.
