Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
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 exploring the fundamentals of political theory and examining the debates and conflicts inherent in a modern democracy. You’ll have an opportunity to focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply political and social theories and analytical techniques to a variety of topics that affect individuals and society. Key features of the course
- Specialise in politics within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
- Focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas.
- Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.
- Gain a degree applicable to a wide range of professions, including international agencies and government bodies, businesses and non-governmental organisations.
Modules
This degree has three stages. At Stage 1 you'll begin with a broad introductory module covering the key concepts and theories in the social sciences and addressing topics from criminology, economics, geography, politics and international studies, and sociology. You will 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 understands those challenges and how you can respond to them as an active citizen. At Stage 2 you’ll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. In your politics module you'll discover how political ideas, institutions and processes help govern our world. At Stage 3, you’ll choose from a range of social science modules. You’ll complete your degree by either investigating the key areas of change and major problems in international relations, or addressing how political ideas affect the world, especially in relation to the topics of the state, citizenship and political change.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2026/2027 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ