Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
This wide-ranging course will develop your knowledge of history while providing a critical understanding of political issues, concepts and institutions. You’ll tackle such exciting and challenging issues as power and equality, debates in politics at the national and global level, culture and beliefs, imperialism and resistance, class and gender. You'll learn the skills of both the political scientist and the historian in studying historical and contemporary political debates as well as analysing contested political issues and future trends and investigating a range of critical approaches to analysing history and politics. Key features of the course
- Discover why the ‘long’ nineteenth century was such an exciting period in the history of the British Isles
- Explore the political ideas, institutions and processes that help govern our world
- Develops skills relevant to political and historical research and writing directed to a range of audiences
Modules
This diploma has two stages, each comprising two compulsory modules. You’ll begin Stage 1 with a stimulating introduction to the arts and humanities, studying diverse topics from multiple cultures and historical periods. You will then progress to studying a range of social science subjects (criminology, economics, environmental studies, geography, international studies, politics, social policy and sociology) and learning the tools of social sciences. Next, in Stage 2, you will focus on the subjects of history and politics. In your politics module you will explore how political ideas, institutions and processes help govern our world. In your history module you will learn about the British Isles from 1789 to 1914, a period of rapid transformation and when it was the workshop of the world.
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.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.
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
| England | £14544 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £13968 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £4752 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £4636 | Whole course |
| Wales | £5248 | Whole course |
| EU | £14944 | Whole course |
| International | £14944 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £14944 | Whole 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
Fee information is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ