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Social Sciences courses

Thousands of students study social science courses with us each year, gaining fascinating insights into everyday life. Studying how people, groups and institutions exercise power and respond to political and economic forces will help you to make sense of what’s happening in our ever-changing world. Choose from our wide range of degrees, diplomas and certificates below.

Rainbow flag and group of people at a parade or rally

Social SciencesDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


Social SciencesDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


Social SciencesCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Social Sciences with The Open University?

Our world-leading research underpins an innovative range of undergraduate qualifications.

The benefits of studying social science with us are:

  • You can specialise in criminology, economics, geography, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology.
  • You’ll be learning from creative, cutting-edge and intellectually rigorous materials.
  • Our highly successful teaching focuses on key policy issues, both in the UK and internationally.
  • Our modules are engaging and introduce you to cutting-edge research and ideas.

Careers in Social Sciences

Social science qualifications provide an excellent foundation for a wide variety of careers. Popular career choices include business, politics, human resources, the civil and diplomatic services and the public sector.

Our range of courses in social sciences can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Teaching
  • Social work
  • Civil service or local government
  • Social research

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Social Sciences modules

All Social Sciences courses

Browse all the Social Sciences courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Social Sciences courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Social Sciences courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Social Sciences courses