Overview

In a fast changing world the social sciences seek answers to the big questions we face as a society. Those answers inform the work of anyone needing to base their decisions on the best available evidence – civil servants, policy makers, business executives and many more. 

Whatever path you take, you will acquire valuable transferable skills opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.   

Key features of the Social Sciences (Honours) course at The Open University UK

• 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, economics, geography, politics, psychology, religious studies or sociology

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

• Enhances your employability, equipping you with valued skills, including the ability to analyse and evaluate evidence, and communicate specialist ideas and information to different audiences. 

Skills for career development

Employers value the diverse skills of the social sciences very highly. The ability to work across different academic disciplines will provide you with a broad portfolio of transferable skills including the ability to:

• interpret, analyse, and critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative evidence

• apply learning to real world situations

• communicate effectively to a variety of audiences using different media

• employ a wide range of digital practices to find, use, and create data

• learn autonomously and plan, conduct, and present independent work

• work effectively with others to achieve joint outcomes

Career relevance

A degree in the social sciences can lead to employment across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Businesses, public sector organisations and educational institutions increasingly have to deal with social issues, and value the skills that social science graduates can provide, making this degree relevant to a wide range of professions including local government officer, civil servant, secondary school teacher, social worker, charities, journalism and trade union officials. You can also use your BA (Hons) Social Sciences for further study in the higher education sector.