About

Key features of the Philosophy and Psychological Studies (Honours) Philosophy and Psychological Studies (Honours) course at The Open University UK

• Investigate profound questions about human minds and behaviour from two complementary perspectives
• Engage with current research and discover how both psychologists and philosophers address pressing, real-life issues.
• Learn how to evaluate evidence, construct well-informed arguments and present your conclusions convincingly.
• Develop valuable transferable skills that are highly prized in the workplace, including skills in communication, problem-solving, numeracy and self-management.  

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

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 increases 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.

Skills for career development

The disciplines of philosophy and psychology are highly regarded by employers, who prize graduates’ reasoning ability, clear thinking and specialist knowledge – and in particular, the skills vital to effective decision-making including:, selecting, interpreting, evaluating and presenting data, identifying and using relevant information to construct arguments, appreciating different ways to conceptualise and address a question, seeing different sides in a debate while being able to reason in favour of one, and thinking coherently about both abstract and practical matters.

You’ll also sharpen your writing and IT skills. All these attributes are greatly in demand in the world beyond study, whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.Please note that this degree will not make you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Career relevance

This degree is relevant to a broad range of careers, including:

• public administration, local government, the civil service, social services
• advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries, public relations
• education and health
• management and human resources
• police and the law
• business, banking and retail
• charities, campaigning and policy development.