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 be empowered to tackle global inequalities by fostering the comprehension of interconnections among global, regional, national, and local processes of social change. You’ll take a critical approach to real-world issues, delving into policies, programs, and practices. By recognising the complexity of global inequalities, the Development route integrates diverse disciplines such as economics, sociology, politics, and geography, enriching your understanding of complex challenges and their resolution. Key features of the course
- Specialise in development within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
- Develop expertise on global inequalities by engaging with the global, regional, national, and local dynamics of change.
- Study the consequences of international policies, programs, and practices for global inequalities.
- Develop an interdisciplinary approach addressing economics, sociology, politics, and geography.
Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. You'll begin with a broad introductory module covering key concepts and theories in the social sciences and addressing topics from criminology, economics, geography, politics and international studies, and sociology. You’ll progress to explore important global challenges: the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology. You’ll also investigate how social science helps us understand 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. You’ll also develop a critical perspective to apply to real-world problems and policies, programs, and practices. You’ll begin Stage 3 by choosing from a range of social science modules and complete your degree by developing a better understanding of the interconnections between global, regional, national, and local change processes.
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
2025/2026 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ