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 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. 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. You'll begin with a broad introductory module providing you with a solid foundation in the social sciences, crucial for your understanding of the religious studies modules you'll take later in this qualification. To complete this stage, you'll choose between exploring important global challenges or focus on the revolutions that have shaped the modern world. At Stage 2, you'll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. You'll then be introduced to a range of religious traditions, in particular Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, in diverse geographical, cultural and historical contexts. You'll study these religions as they are actually lived and investigate their impact on different societies and cultures. At Stage 3, you’ll choose from a range of social science modules. You'll complete your degree by looking at sociological, ethnographic and historical sources to investigate intricate connections between religion and politics, tradition, gender, multiculturalism, animism, atheism, violence, sex and capitalism.
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
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