BA (Honours) in Social Sciences (Geography)
Open University
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,924 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* cost per year full-time; £3,462 - cost per year part-time
Introduction
This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences (R23) degree. Half of your studies will be in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in the knowledge and ideas that are central to the social sciences. For the other half, you’ll learn how key geographical concepts can be applied to some of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, including globalisation, development, climate change, migration and urbanisation. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply geographical and social theories to current debates, analyse and assess different types of evidence, including statistical data, and carry out independent project-based work. You’ll also have gained a wide range of transferable skills – opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.
Key features of the course
- Specialise in human geography within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.
- Explore real-world problems such as globalisation and climate change.
- Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.
- Gain a degree directly relevant to careers in planning, local government, environmental management and teaching.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Social Sciences uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
- working in a group with other students
- finding external/third party material online
- continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
- engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree.
Program Outcome
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Curriculum
Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1 you'll study two introductory social science modules exploring the issues facing contemporary society.
- Next, at Stages 2 and 3, half your studies will be in sociology. For the other half, you’ll address some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, including globalisation, development, climate change, migration and urbanisation.
Prepare for OU study with an Access module
We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module.