BA (Hons) Social Sciences | Open University

An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Social Sciences

The social sciences seek answers to the big questions we face as a society and inform the work of governments, businesses and many others. This degree teaches you the tools of the social scientist’s trade. Following an interdisciplinary social science module, you can specialise in criminology, development, economics, geography, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology, or choose a combination of modules. Whatever path you take, you’ll acquire an understanding of the ideas and methods of social scientific inquiry and learn to apply them to real-world social issues. You’ll also acquire numerous transferable skills, opening employment opportunities across various organisations.

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.

You’ll start your degree with a broad introductory module covering key concepts, evidence, and sources of knowledge in the social sciences, addressing topics from criminology, economics, geography, politics, international studies, and sociology.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb

Next, you'll choose a specialist route: a broad-based study of social sciences or specialise in criminology, development, economics, geography, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology.

The criminology and sociology routes offer an additional element of choice if you wish to complete a dissertation as part of your degree.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Broad-based study of social sciences route
You’ll choose 60 credits from:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Criminology route
You'll study the following:
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
Development route
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Economics route
You'll study the following:
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Geography route
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Philosophy route
You'll choose one from the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Politics route
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Psychology route
You'll study the following:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Religious studies route
You'll choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Sociology route
You'll choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb

At Stage 2, you’ll continue with a broad study of social sciences or your chosen specialist route. 

Modules	Credits	Start month
Broad-based study of social sciences route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules.	60	See list
Criminology route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Standard route – You’ll choose one from the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Development route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60	Oct
Economics route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)	60	Oct
Geography route
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
Philosophy route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Investigating philosophy (DA223)	60	Oct
Politics route
You’ll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	60	Oct
Psychology route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Applying psychology (D250)	60	Oct
Religious studies route
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Sociology route
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Standard route – You’ll also choose one from the following:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct

At Stage 3, you’ll continue with a broad study of social sciences or your chosen specialist route. 

Modules	Credits	Start month
Broad-based study of social sciences route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose two from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	120	See list
Criminology route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Standard route – You'll study the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60	Oct
Development route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)	60	Oct
Economics route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)	60	Oct
Geography route
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
Philosophy route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Key questions in philosophy (A333)	60	Oct
Politics route
You’ll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
You'll study one from the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)	60	Oct
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60	Oct
Psychology route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
You'll study one from the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60	Oct
Social psychology for the 21st century (D360)	60	Oct
Religious studies route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)	60	Oct
Sociology route
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Standard route – You’ll study the following:
Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)	60	Oct
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Principles of social research: sociology special project module (D328)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
You'll also choose 60 credits from the following:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
You'll choose two from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	120	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Standard route – You’ll study one from the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	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
Standard route – You’ll study the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	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
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)	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
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
You'll also choose one from:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Investigating philosophy (DA223)	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
Key questions in philosophy (A333)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	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
You'll also choose one from the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)	60	Oct
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Applying psychology (D250)	60	Oct
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	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
You'll also choose one from the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60	Oct
Social psychology for the 21st century (D360)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
You'll also choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	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
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112)	60	Oct \| Feb
You'll also choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Standard route – You’ll choose one from the following:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	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
Standard route – You’ll study the following:
Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)	60	Oct
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Principles of social research: sociology special project module (D328)	60	Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study 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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll choose 60 credits from the following:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
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

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
Standard route – You’ll study one from the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
Standard route – You'll complete your degree with the following:
Crime, harm and the state (DD311)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll complete your degree with the following:
Researching current issues in criminology (DD315)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Introducing global development: poverty, inequality, sustainability (D229)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Investigating global development: crisis, complexity, change (D329)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
You and your money (DB125)	30	Oct \| Feb
Economics in context (DD126)	30	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
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

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll choose one from the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Investigating philosophy (DA223)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Key questions in philosophy (A333)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Understanding politics: ideas and institutions in the modern world (DD211)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with one from the following:
International relations: people, power and change (D322)	60	Oct
Modern political ideas (DD316)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Encountering psychology in context (D120)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Applying psychology (D250)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with one from the following:
Counselling and forensic psychology: investigating crime and therapy (DD310)	60	Oct
Social psychology for the 21st century (D360)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study the following:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll complete your degree with the following:
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)	60	Oct

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	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll choose one from the following:
Global challenges: social science in action (D113)	60	Oct \| Feb
Introduction to criminology (DD105)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Understanding digital societies (DD218)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
Standard route – You’ll study one from the following:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Understanding criminology (DD212)	60	Oct \| Feb
Dissertation route – You'll study the following:
Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules.	60	See list
Stage 3 \| Year 6
Standard route – You'll complete your degree with the following:
Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)	60	Oct
Dissertation route – You'll complete your degree with the following:
Principles of social research: sociology special project module (D328)	60	Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:

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

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

If you complete a specialist route, your degree title will show that in brackets, for example, BA (Honours) Social Sciences (Criminology).

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.

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 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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

*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:

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:

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.

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

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:

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

Ask a question

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

Request a prospectus

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026

Where do you live?

BA (Honours) Social Sciences

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Introductory module

Choose a study route

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Course structure

Broad study of social sciences route

Criminology route

Development route

Economics route

Geography route

Philosophy route

Politics route

Psychology route

Religious studies route

Sociology route

3-year pathways

Broad study of social sciences route

Criminology route

Development route

Economics route

Geography route

Philosophy route

Politics route

Psychology route

Religious studies route

Sociology route

6-year pathways

What you'll learn and the skills you'll gain

Awarded qualification

Regulations

See how this course compares

3-year degree

6-year degree

Supporting you every step of the way

Manage your studies on the module website

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Live online tutorials

How your learning is assessed

If you have a disability or additional need

If you have a disability or additional need

Other support and resources

Entry requirements for this course

Optional preparation with an Access module

Have you studied before?

Tuition fee in England

Years of part-time study

Current fee per year

How we worked out the cost

Total fee for qualification at current prices

Save money with The Open University

What's included?

What are my funding options?

Tuition Fee Loan

Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)

Card payments

Employer sponsorship

Mixed payments

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)

Scholarships and other support

If you have a disability

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Other careers

Exploring your options

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