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 (R23) degree. You'll study core modules in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with exploring a variety of phenomena mediated by religion, from consumerism and the environment, atheism and Hindu nationalism, to racism, the urban environment and contemporary pilgrimage. On completion of this degree, you’ll be able to apply knowledge and ideas from religious studies and the wider social sciences to a broad range of practical and real-world issues. You’ll also have gained many transferable skills – opening employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations. Key features of the course
- Specialise in religious studies within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
- Learn how to apply cutting edge ideas from the field of religious studies to a broad range of real world situations.
- Develop skills in independent working and apply these in an extended essay based on a literature based research project.
- Gain a degree directly relevant to careers where critical analysis is at a premium or that involve understanding the workings of society, such as the civil service, local government, research and policy work.
Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. In Stage 1 you'll begin with an introductory social science module before choosing between looking at the issues facing contemporary society or the key revolutions throughout history. Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you will take a sociology module, as well as exploring a range of religions and religious practices and considering how they relate to wider social questions and concerns.
Assessment method
We will assess your learning with some or all of the following, depending on the precise modules you choose:
- tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
- formal examinations
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 for this qualification. At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/r23-rel#entry-requirements
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 | £21816 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £20952 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7128 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6954 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7872 | Whole course |
| EU | £22416 | Whole course |
| International | £22416 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £22416 | 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