Social Sciences (R23)

Here's what Open University says about its Social Sciences (R23) course.

The social sciences seek answers to the big questions we face as a society and inform the work of policy makers, business leaders and many others. You'll study core modules in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. In the rest of your degree, you can specialise in either criminology, development, economics, geography, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology, or choose a combination of modules in these subjects that interests you. Whatever path you take, you'll acquire transferable skills, opening employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.

Key features of the course

• Provides a thorough introduction to the social sciences and explores a range of topical social, political and economic issues

• Gives you the option to specialise in criminology, development, economics, geography, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology

• Applies cutting edge social science theory and knowledge to real-world situations

• Equips you with valued skills to enhance your employability, including evidence analysis and evaluation, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences

• Offers the option to do a dissertation in the final stage of some specialist routes.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. You’ll start Stage 1 with an introductory social sciences module, and depending on your intended route through the qualification, continue with a broad-based study of social science or specialise in one area. Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you’ll continue to combine modules from across the social sciences curriculum, or complete the study of your named specialist route.