Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Prospectus
2009/2010
INSPIRING LEARNING
The OU has changed my
whole view of life – simply
by helping me rediscover the
utter joy of learning.
Toni Hourahane, OU student
Contents
�
Introduction 1 Where do I start? 31
Welcome 2
Courses 32
Your OU experience 4
Your career 11
Short courses 34
Criminology 38
Qualifications 14
Foundation degrees 15
Environment 40
Geography 41
Degrees 19
International studies 42
Media studies 43
Politics 44
Psychological studies 45
Social policy 46
Sociology 47
Becoming an OU student 48
Applying to the OU 48
Financial support 50
learning difficulty 51
2 Introduction
Welcome
�
UK’s biggest university the range of our courses degree – and now I am starting to find out.
is something that most other universities can It’s a really exciting adventure.
only dream of. We’ll challenge you, stretch your Sharon Dee, OU student
Your OU experience
�
As an OU student, you’ll need to apply yourself and put in the time and
effort. But it will prove to be an unforgettable learning experience.
What sets us apart from other universities is that All our courses are designed so you can fit studying
we’re not campus based. Instead we deliver high- around your work and other commitments. You can
quality materials and resources directly to our study in your own way, at home, in the office, or
students. The work is just as rigorous and our wherever suits you.
qualifications are well regarded, and there are plenty
of opportunities for our students to get involved. Our 13 regional and national centres, alongside
350 tutorial venues in the UK alone, ensure you won’t
You’ll meet some great people, build up your skills feel isolated.
and knowledge, and thoroughly enjoy yourself in
the process. About 80 per cent of OU students
FACT: work while they study.
An excellent reputation
Our courses are widely recognised as being
Top-class teaching
innovative and of the highest quality. In recent We have an enviable network of around 9000 course
Teaching Quality Assessments, the Faculty of Social tutors across the UK, many of whom are practising
Sciences was one of the few nationally to be awarded professionals with strong academic backgrounds,
an ‘excellent’ grading in all its subject courses. sector specific skills and practical experience. Our
course materials are written and developed by OU
Our teaching is fed by the very latest research.
Many of our academics are actively involved in academics who are experts in their specialist fields
highly regarded OU research groups, such as the and in supported Open Learning.
Centre for Citizenship, Identities and Governance, We provide leading-edge teaching, born out of
and the International Centre for Comparative extensive research and close links with partners
Criminological Research. such as the BBC.
The value of our innovative teaching materials is
recognised by many professional bodies, and
By supporting broadcast favourites because of our rigorous academic standards, OU
FACT: Coast and Child of Our Time as well qualifications are universally recognised, at home
as one-off series such as Meet the Immigrants and abroad.
and Lenny’s Britain, we take social science ideas
into the community and onto television screens. Continual support
We also provide additional features, reviews and Before you register you can get information from our
discussion forums on www.Open2.net advisers who can answer your questions and provide
guidance on a host of subjects, such as choosing
courses, the career implications of study, course
preparation, study arrangements or difficulties, how
Choice and flexibility to get help with your fees, and tutorial support. All
Are you studying to assist your career, to become this help is available through our Student Registration
qualified for a new career or simply for pleasure? Are & Enquiry Service on +44 (0)845 300 60 90. Staff
you working full time, part time or not at all? Whatever there will either help you directly, or refer you on for
your circumstances, we can provide a solution. further guidance.
OU programmes tend to be less rigid than those Once you register we’ll send you a welcome pack,
at campus-based universities, so you can mix and which will include an introductory booklet on studying
match courses to build towards a qualification, or just with the OU. Your first course mailing will include
take a single course and not commit yourself any materials specially developed for your course. These
further – it’s entirely up to you. contain an appropriate combination of manuals,
If you would like to study for a degree you can resource books, DVDs and textbooks.
choose from a number of courses in a particular You’ll also receive a study calendar, designed to
subject area to work towards a degree in a named help you pace your study alongside family, work and
subject – for example, an honours degree in the other commitments.
social sciences. Or you can mix and match courses
from different subjects based on personal interest
or career development to build towards an Open
degree, see page 29.
Value for money • you can continue to work full or part time
The materials we provide are of the highest • our courses promote greater confidence
internationally renowned quality, and may include: • most programmes are modular, allowing you to
• specially written textbooks or workbooks pace your studies alongside work commitments
• many courses are suitable for professional
• online teaching materials
development and can count towards a
• CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and other computer software recognised qualification
• audio and visual recordings. • you’ll receive high levels of support from us,
helping you to succeed in your studies and career.
Sometimes there will be books you have to buy
yourself or borrow from a local library, but we’re We can help you make out a case for sponsorship.
careful to limit the cost as far as we can. For more information please call our Student Registration
& Enquiry Service on +44 (0)845 300 60 90.
The only additional costs will be for your own personal
equipment, such as a computer and its consumables.
You’ll also be responsible for any telephone or internet
Students with a disability
service provider charges your suppliers may make. or additional requirements
We also recommend that you budget for travel, for Our expertise in supported Open Learning, combined
example to tutorials or examinations. with a wide range of multimedia materials and
To find out exactly what you receive and what you personal support, means that we offer a much more
need to acquire for a specific course, click accessible system than traditional forms of study.
www.open.ac.uk/study and go to the detailed If you have a disability, health condition, mental
course description. health disability or specific learning difficulty (such as
Costs vary from course to course, dyslexia) that affects your ability to study, to attend a
FACT: but unlike some other institutions, residential school or to take examinations, we may be
our course fees include relevant materials, tuition, able to adapt our services to meet your specific needs.
assessment and any residential schools including We recommend that you contact us to discuss the
overnight accommodation. requirements and accessibility of the course you
intend to study before you register. You may also be
Financial support eligible for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Depending on your current circumstances, even A summary of our services is provided in our leaflet
if you’re in employment, you could be eligible for Open to Your Needs available from our Student
financial support to help pay towards your course Registration & Enquiry Service.
fees, study costs and other expenses. For more information, see page 51 or click
See pages 50–52 or click www.open.ac.uk/disability
www.open.ac.uk/financialsupport where you can
use our calculator to find out if you are eligible.
Over 38,000 financial awards were Around 10,000 of our students have
FACT: made to OU students last year. FACT: a disability or additional requirement.
6 Introduction
What are courses? The table below shows how OU levels correspond
to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework
To work towards a qualification, you first need used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to
to choose a course that counts towards that the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
qualification (our courses work like modules). (SCQF), and to the National Framework of
There are different options depending on your Qualifications in the Republic of Ireland (NFQI).
starting point. See page 31 for details.
credit points you accumulate from one institution to Of these, at least 180 must be above Level 1 and, of
another. So if you have completed some previous those, at least 60 must be at Level 3.
study at another institution, you may be able to count
The table below shows the typical number of
it towards your OU qualification, see page 10.
credit points required at each level for the majority
of OU qualifications. Click www.open.ac.uk/study
Academic credit in Europe for details of individual qualifications.
If you are looking to use your Open University credit
in Continental Europe, you may be interested to know
of the existence of the European Credit Transfer OU Credit Credit Credit Total
System (ECTS). This is the system commonly used qualification points points points
in the EU for measuring study workload. Since the required required required
systems don’t compare like with like, and ECTS at Level 1 at Level 2 at Level 3
doesn’t take account of academic level, direct Certificate 60 normally from Level 1 60
comparisons are difficult to make. However, broadly, courses but can be at any level
at any given level, 60 OU credit points would be
worth 30 ECTS points, and 30 OU points would be Diploma – 120 from Level 2 120
worth 15 ECTS points. and/or Level 3
If you have completed study elsewhere, that is Certificate 120 – – 120
recorded in ECTS points, and you want to count this of higher
towards your OU qualifications, please contact the education
Credit Transfer Centre for advice. Diploma 120 120 – 240
of higher
How many credit points do you education
need for a certificate? Foundation 120 120 – 240
You’ll usually need 60 credit points from specific degree
courses to gain a certificate, although for the Certificate Degree 120 120 60 300
of Higher Education, 120 points are required. without
honours
How many credit points do you
Degree with 120 120 120 360
need for a diploma? honours
For most of our undergraduate diplomas you’ll need
120 credit points from specific courses at Levels 2
and/or 3. We offer a wide range of subjects, from How much time does it take?
English language studies and music to German Our study programmes are designed to be flexible.
and religious studies, and even some that have So if you want to vary the amount of time you spend
been designed with particular professions in mind on study from year to year, or even take a break for a
(although they’re also open to non-professionals). while, you can.
But all of them can help you in some way to get a job There is no time limit for completion of many OU
or develop your career. undergraduate degrees, although the courses that
contribute to them may change over time. Degrees
How many credit points do you need with time limits are usually those where either the
for a foundation degree or diploma subject matter of the courses is liable to date, such
as computing or information and communication
of higher education? technologies, or where there are professional
You’ll need 240 credit points for a foundation degree requirements to complete within a given timescale,
or a diploma of higher education: 120 points at Level such as law.
1 and 120 points at Level 2. This is equivalent to two
It’s easy to underestimate the time and commitment
years’ full-time study, and for a foundation degree
needed for part-time study by supported Open
up to half of your learning will be on work-based
Learning methods, so it’s a good idea not to take on
courses. In some cases, a foundation degree must
too much at first. As you become more experienced
be sponsored by an employer.
and confident you can always take on more.
How many credit points do you We strongly recommend that students take only one
course at a time. Most of our courses are worth
need for an undergraduate degree? either 30 or 60 points. A nine month 30-point course
For an honours degree you will need 360 credit will take about seven to eight hours of study a week
points. These will include no more than 120 points and a six month 30-point course around 12 hours
at Level 1 and at least 120 points at Level 3. The of study a week; a nine month 60-point course will
remaining 120 points must be above Level 1. require approximately 16 hours a week.
An Open degree can be awarded either with or
without honours. For an Open degree without
honours you need at least 300 credit points.
Click www.open.ac.uk/study or call +44 (0)845 300 60 90
10 Introduction
study)
• you normally need 60 credit points
of higher
education • 120 credit points are needed for a certificate
of higher education or most diplomas
Degree 300 5 years (part-time
without study) or 3 years • 240 credit points = a foundation degree or a
Degree with 360 6 years (part-time • 300 credit points = a degree without honours
honours study) or 3–4 years • 360 credit points = a degree with honours
(full-time study)
• you may be able to get credit for higher
1
The timings assume full-time study is similar to that education already completed
of full-time education (120 points per year), with • remember that any of our courses can be
part-time study at half this rate. taken on their own as part of personal or
2
Some certificates and diplomas differ – please career development.
Your career
Your route to self improvement, skills development
and career enhancement.
Why study social sciences? Combining work and study shows that OU
students are ambitious and have a strong
Social science graduates are found in almost every
work ethic. They are evidently keen to develop
occupational field and national statistics show that
themselves and are managing to do this whilst
63 per cent found full time employment within
juggling a busy work or home life which is no
6 months of graduating. (What Do Graduates Do?
mean feat. The competencies which OU students
2008 HECSU/AGCAS).
therefore develop during their degree become
On a personal level, exploring society’s fundamental invaluable to us.
values, structures and institutions and political and Emma Beadle, Graduate Recruitment Manager,
economic forces will enable you to make more sense Unilever
of what’s happening in our rapidly changing world.
On a professional level, the study of social sciences Career opportunities
equips you with a range of skills that will appeal Social sciences provides an excellent background
to potential employers and enhance your for a wide range of careers and it is important to
career prospects. remember that you can apply for a large number of
graduate-level jobs without any specific postgraduate
Transferable skills training as 70 per cent are open to graduates of any
disciplinary background.
The skills and experience that OU students bring
to the workplace are often more important than the Opportunities can be found across all sectors and
particular subject of their qualification. Your studies in a number of occupations. Education, central and
will help you develop a broad set of skills and local government, finance, health and social care,
abilities that appeal to prospective employers. law, the media, public services, campaigning and
research are frequent career choices.
As well as the specific knowledge gained from
studying an OU qualification, students develop many Within the public sector, openings can be found
transferable and work related skills that are highly in all areas of the criminal justice system such
valued by employers (often called ‘employability skills’) as the police, prison and probation services and
administration and management of social services.
For social sciences graduates these include the
Positions within civil and diplomatic services and
ability to:
local government are also popular choices.
• put together reasoned arguments
Other careers include:
and question assumptions
• banking and finance
• understand the processes of change in society
and its institutions • politics
• draw together, analyse and critically • journalism and broadcasting
evaluate information
• law
• communicate concisely, clearly and accurately
• teaching
with others
• social work
• use IT to research, identify and present information
• accountancy
• meet deadlines and take on responsibility for your
own development • business management
• interpret, use and evaluate data. • advertising and marketing.
We advise you to thoroughly research your career
choices as early as possible, particularly in relation
to required experience, differences depending on
where you live or where choice of courses may affect
future opportunities.
Continued on page 12
You should also be aware that for some careers you Some companies relevant to social sciences
may need to undertake further study or training. graduates on the Virtual Employer Fair are:
To explore career opportunities related to your • Co-operative Group • Unilever
subject click www.prospects.ac.uk/links/options
• Enterprise • Waitrose
where you can see examples of job roles and get
information for further research. • Heinz • Royal Mail Group
If you live in Ireland look at the Graduate Careers • KPMG • Tesco.
Ireland (GCI) information which includes sector career
Online vacancy service – find a job through our
guides at www.gradireland.com/publications.aspx
Careers Advisory Service and Prospects.
For ideas on volunteering opportunities you may
find the national volunteering database useful at Information about all of these services can be found
www.do-it.org on our careers website.
is to choose which courses and If there’s anything you’re not sure about, please
speak to one of the advisory staff in our Student
qualifications you want to study. Registration & Enquiry Service +44 (0)845 300 60 90.
Note: The first number in a course code Northern Ireland: 028 9032 3722
generally indicates the course level. Republic of Ireland: (01)6785399 or
For example, Sociology and society (DD201) is +44 28 9032 3722
a Level 2 course.
Other EU countries and Switzerland:
+44 191 477 6100
or by post
If a form is enclosed, complete it and return it
to the address on the form.
Qualifications
�
Thousands of students take social sciences courses with the OU each year.
The appeal is broad because the many subjects that come under the social
sciences umbrella provide fascinating insights into everyday life in our
communities, families and workplaces.
Qualifications
Foundation degrees
Foundation Degree in Counselling (G14) NEW 15
Foundation Degree in Financial Services (G16) NEW 16
Degrees
BA or BSc (Hons) Social Sciences (B06) 19
BA or BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychological Studies (B48) 21
BA or BSc (Hons) Social Policy and Criminology (B57) NEW 21
BA or BSc (Hons) Economics and Mathematical Sciences (B15) 22
BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics (B45) 23
BA or BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies (B19) 24
BA or BSc (Hons) International Studies (B11) 25
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Psychological Studies (B43) 26
BSc (Hons) Psychology (B07) 27
Other qualifications you might be interested in 28
The Open Programme 29
Whatever qualification you’re thinking of, the best The qualifications in social sciences are built to
place to start – for almost everybody – is with a enhance your development and enable you to
Level 1 course. It’s study like you’d do in the first graduate with highly relevant and work-related skills
year at a campus-based university, and you wouldn’t and knowledge. ICT and independent learning skills
expect to skip that! Level 2 study is demanding, are features of all our qualifications and are highly
and we find our students are most successful valued by employers.
when they’ve done the groundwork that Level 1 is
The new certificate in higher education (C95) and
specifically designed to cover.
diploma in higher education (E50) offer a clear and
The social sciences curriculum is vibrant, exciting supported structure towards a degree, and can
and innovative. We’ve recently introduced new also meet your needs if you want to stop short of
curriculum offerings that allow you to follow well- completing a full degree.
structured pathways to recognised qualifications, as
The new Foundation Degrees in Counselling (G14)
well as offering you choice and flexibility.
and in Financial Services (G16) are innovative
qualifications which enable you to build on your work-
related learning to gain a recognised degree.
(D240) planned for first presentation in May 2010, Diverse perspectives K225 30 p
plus a further 60 points from a specified range of on mental health
optional courses in psychology and mental health.
Exploring psychology DSE212 60 45
The work-based (CPCAB) and the knowledge-based Psychology of mental SDK228 30 p
(OU) components can be taken in any order to suit health and ill-health
your convenience. Planned for first
On completion of the foundation degree there are presentation in
opportunities for professional development including November 2010
the possibility of continuing your studies to receive You will need to claim credit for your CPCAB study.
an honours degree. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site,
1
CPCAB awards are described within the click www.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer for
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority’s National more information.
Qualification Framework, which is applicable to p Course descriptions can be found online.
qualifications taught by Further Education colleges. Click www.open.ac.uk/study
The CPCAB Level 4 diploma described here has
been assessed as equivalent to the OU’s higher
education (HE) Level 1 study, and the Level 5 CPCAB
qualifications at OU (HE) Level 2.
Foundation Degree in Financial For this 240-point foundation degree you require:
New
Services (G16) 70 points from the following Level 1 compulsory
courses:
Learn about personal finance – including concepts Course title Code Points Page
such as financial planning, portfolio management,
investment classes and techniques – and the You and your money: DB123 30 37
changing economic and social context for financial personal finance in context
decisions and financial services products. Students Introduction to BD131 10 p
who wish to have their qualification recognised in financial services
Scotland might prefer to study the Diploma of Higher
Working and learning: BU130 30 p
Education in Financial Services (E54).
developing effective
performance at work
What will it be good for?
This new foundation degree will provide you with a And 30 points from the following optional Level 1
broad and deep understanding of the knowledge courses:
and skills that you will need to progress with a career An introduction to B120 30 p
in the financial services industry. business studies
Managing in the workplace B121 30
What will it cover?
p
and processes; and how all these work together to and their environments
contribute to organisational success in the financial Personal investment DB234 30 39
services industry. in an uncertain world
You’ll also get… And 30 points from the following optional Level 2
courses:
The foundation degree will give you an insight into
essential business functions such as marketing, Management accounting B291 30 p
Qualifications
17
The certificate forms the Level 1 requirement of the Ethics in real life 1 A181 15 p
Continued on page 18
Course title Code Points Page For this 240-point diploma in higher education
Understanding health 1
Y158 or 10 or p
you require:
Y178 15 120 points from the following qualification:
Understanding SK183 10 35 Qualification title Code Points Page
human nutrition 1 Certificate of Higher C95 120 17
Understanding society 1 Y157 10 33 Education in
Using mathematics MST121 30 p
Social Sciences
You and your money: DB123 30 37 And 60 points chosen from the following optional
personal finance Level 2 courses in list A and a further 60 points
in context chosen from optional Level 2 courses from either
list A or B:
1
You may not count more than 30 points from
10 or 15-point courses towards your qualification. List A – Level 2 optional courses
p Course descriptions can be found online. Course title Code Points Page
Click www.open.ac.uk/study Applying psychology DSE232 15 p
If you are awarded this new diploma in higher Economics and DD202 60 39
education, you’ll have completed study equivalent economic change
to the first two years of a full-time degree. This Environment U216 60 40
qualification, following on from the Certificate of
Exploring psychology DSE212 60 45
Higher Education in Social Science (C95), can be a
staging post on a study route towards a BA or BSc Exploring psychology DXR222 15 p
List B – Level 2 optional courses For this 360-point honours degree you require:
Course title Code Points Page 60 points from the following optional Level 1 courses:
Childhood U212 60 p Course title Code Points Page
Exploring the U211 60 p Introducing the DD101 60 36
English language social sciences
Working with children K204 60 p or
and families Introducing the social DD131 30 37
p Course descriptions can be found online. sciences – part one and
Click www.open.ac.uk/study Introducing the social DD132 30 p
sciences – part two
Degrees or
Introducing the social DD131 30 37
BA or BSc (Hons) Social Sciences (B06) sciences – part one and
You and your money: DB123 30 37
How does society work? And how does it change? personal finance
Studying social science can change the way you look in context
at the world forever.
And 60 points from the following optional
Level 2 courses:
What will it be good for?
Developing a knowledge and understanding of Applying psychology DSE232 15 p
society and the ability to analyse key social science Biological psychology: SD226 30 p
concepts will put you in a good position for a variety exploring the brain
of careers – in the business world, media, education Child development ED209 60 p
and caring professions.
Economics and DD202 60 39
What will it cover? economic change
This degree explores issues such as changes in Environment U216 60 40
family, work and identity, risk and the environment, Exploring psychology DSE212 60 45
and the impact of globalisation. You can choose to
specialise in up to two areas, including economics; Exploring psychology DXR222 15 p
project or
environment; geography; media studies; politics;
DZX222
psychological studies; social policy; and sociology.
Family meanings D270 15 35
Start with Governing Europe DD200 or 60 42
Introducing the social sciences (DD101) (or the DDZX200
equivalent pairs of 30-point courses either DD131 International U213 60 42
and DD132, or DD131 and DB123). Are you new to development:
university study and looking for a gentle introduction? challenges for a world
Start with an Openings course – Understanding in transition
society (Y157) or Starting with psychology (Y163)
see page 33. Islam in the west: the AD252 30 p
politics of co-existence
You’ll also get… Living in a DD205 60 41
You can also achieve a certificate or diploma of globalised world
higher education in social sciences, or the Diploma Personal investment in DB234 30 39
in Social Policy and Criminology (D56), depending on an uncertain world
which courses you choose.
Politics, media and war: D271 15 36
9/11 and its impacts
Power, dissent, DD203 60 44
equality: understanding
contemporary politics
Sociology and society DD201 60 47
Understanding AD281 60 p
global heritage
Continued on page 20
Course title Code Points Page And 60 points, either from the list of optional
Understanding media DA204 60 43 courses above or from the following optional
Level 3 courses:
Welfare, crime DD208 60 38
and society Course title Code Points Page
courses above or from the following optional Level health and social care
2 courses: Managing care K303 60 p
Qualifications
21
For this 360-point honours degree you require: BA or BSc (Hons) Economics
60 points from the following optional Level 1 courses: and Mathematical Sciences (B15)
Course title Code Points Page
You’ll gain a good grounding in a broad range of
Introducing the DD101 60 36 mathematical, statistical and computational skills
social sciences as well as an understanding of economic theory
or and issues.
Introducing the social DD131 30 37
sciences – part one and
What will it be good for?
This degree will equip you with the mathematical
Introducing the social DD132 30 p
and economic skills and knowledge required for a
sciences – part two range of jobs in government, business, accountancy,
or banking, management and administration, the
Crime and justice DD301 60 38 And at least 30 points from the following optional
Personal lives DD305 60 46 Level 1 courses:
and social policy Engineering the future T173 30 p
24 Qualifications
And 120 points from the following compulsory fuels; sustainability; and global trade, this degree
Level 2 courses: gets to the heart of environmental matters that are
often the source of political and scientific conflict.
Course title Code Points Page The compulsory courses Environment (U216) and
Economics and DD202 60 39 The environmental web (U316) provide a complex,
economic change interdisciplinary treatment of environmental
concerns and enable you to engage with important
Philosophy and the A211 60 p
contemporary environmental debates.
human situation
And 60 points from one of the following politics You’ll also get…
Level 2 courses: Along the way, you can also achieve a Certificate in
Governing Europe DD200 or 60 42 Natural Sciences (C26) or a Diploma in Environment
DDZX200 and Development (D21), depending on which
or courses you choose.
Course title Code Points Page BA or BSc (Hons) International Studies (B11)
International U213 60 42
development: challenges We live in a world that is politically divided into many
for a world in transition nation states. Yet it is increasingly interconnected.
Relationships between individuals, groups, cultures,
Living in a DD205 60 41 cities and nations extend across regions and
globalised world the globe. This degree addresses the political,
Our dynamic planet S279 30 p economic and cultural issues that these complex
Understanding systems: T214 60 p
interconnections create.
making sense of
complexity
What will it be good for?
You’ll develop a broad understanding of
And 60 points from the following compulsory contemporary international issues; of key political,
Level 3 course: economic and cultural aspects of the international
The environmental web U316 60 40 order; and of the dynamics of the international
And at least 60 points from the following optional system. International studies graduates are found
Level 3 courses: in a wide range of professions in the private and
public sectors, including international agencies and
Doing economics: people, DD309 60 39 government bodies, both national and European. If
markets and policy you choose to include a language course, you’ll have
Earth in crisis: DU311 60 40 a grounding in another language that may add to
environmental policy in your professional opportunities.
an international context
Ecosystems S396 30 p
What will it cover?
Uniting themes from a range of disciplines, including
Environmental change: SXR369 10 p
social sciences, economics, environmental studies
the record in the rocks and technology, you’ll explore some of the most high
Environmental T308 60 p profile issues of our time. Compulsory courses cover
monitoring, modelling development (International development: challenges
and control for a world in transition (U213)) and the contemporary
global order (A world of whose making? (DU301)). You
Innovation: designing for T307 60 p
can also choose to study a language within this degree.
a sustainable future
Managing complexity: T306 60 p Start with
a systems approach Introducing the social sciences (DD101) (or the
Oceanography S330 30 p equivalent two 30-point courses DD131 and DD132)
The geological record of S369 30 p
or Environment: journeys through a changing world
environmental change (U116). Are you new to university study and looking for
a gentle introduction? Start with an Openings course –
To complete the 360 points needed for an honours Introducing environment (Y161).
degree, the remaining points up to a maximum
of 60 points can be from any OU undergraduate Continued on page 26
For this 360-point honours degree you require: Course title Code Points Page
60 points from the following optional Level 1 courses: Power, dissent, DD203 60 44
Course title Code Points Page equality: understanding
contemporary politics
Introducing the DD101 60 36
social sciences Viento en popa: upper L204 60 p
intermediate Spanish
or
And 60 points from the following compulsory
Introducing the social DD131 30 37 Level 3 course:
sciences – part one and
A world of DU301 60 43
Introducing the social DD132 30 p
whose making?
sciences – part two
And at least 60 points from the following optional
or Level 3 courses:
Environment: journeys U116 60 37 A buen puerto: fast L314 or 60 p
through a changing forward in Spanish LZX314
world
Earth in crisis: DU311 60 40
or environmental policy in
Networked living: T175 30 p an international context
exploring information Europe: culture and AA300 or 60 p
and communication identities in a contested AAZX300
technologies and continent
Introducing the social DD131 30 37 Living political ideas DD306 60 44
sciences – part one
Nouvelles mises L310 60 p
And 60 points from the following compulsory au point
Level 2 course:
Religion in history: AA307 60 p
International U213 60 42 conflict, conversion
development: and co-existence
challenges for a world
in transition Understanding cities DD304 60 41
And at least 60 points from the following optional Variationen: German L313 60 p
Childhood U212 60 p
To complete the 360 points needed for an honours
degree, the remaining points up to a maximum
Economics and DD202 60 39 of 60 points can be from any OU undergraduate
economic change courses. You must ensure that you have the
Environment U216 60 40 required number of points at each level.
Envol: upper L211 60 p If you have studied with us before, you can see
intermediate French the discontinued courses that count towards this
qualification on our website at www.open.ac.uk/study
Exploring history: A200 60 p
medieval to modern p Course descriptions can be found online.
1400-1900 Click www.open.ac.uk/study
Governing Europe DD200 or 60 42
DDZX200
BA (Hons) Philosophy and
Introducing religions A217 60 p
Psychological Studies (B43)
Islam in the west: the AD252 30 p
politics of co-existence Study both philosophical arguments and texts, and
the human brain and behaviour.
Living in a DD205 60 41
globalised world
What will it be good for?
Motive: upper L203 60 p
By studying philosophy and psychology in
intermediate German combination, you’ll have learned to read and
Politics, media, war: D271 15 36 understand complex texts; to construct and analyse
9/11 and its impacts arguments; to understand and analyse statistical
information; and to express your ideas clearly and To complete the 360 points needed for an honours
logically. These skills are relevant to a broad range degree, the remaining points up to a maximum
of careers opportunities, including advertising of 60 points can be from any OU undergraduate
and marketing, social services, administration courses. You must ensure that you have the
and management. required number of points at each level.
What will it cover? If you have studied with us before, you can see
the discontinued courses that count towards this
After the compulsory psychology course – Exploring
qualification on our website at www.open.ac.uk/study
psychology (DSE212) – you can choose to study
either cognitive or social psychology. Compulsory p Course descriptions can be found online.
philosophy courses include Philosophy and the Click www.open.ac.uk/study
human situation (A211) and Thought and experience:
themes in the philosophy of mind (AA308).
BSc (Hons) Psychology (B07)
Start with
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology is a professionally
Depending on your interests, either The arts past
recognised degree that qualifies you for further
and present (AA100) or Introducing the social
professional training in psychology.
sciences (DD101) (or the equivalent two 30-point
courses DD131 and DD132). New to university study If you’re fascinated by human behaviour and what
and looking for a gentle introduction? Start with an goes on in our brains, this is the degree for you.
Openings course – Starting with psychology (Y163)
see page 33. What will it be good for?
You’ll learn to understand ideas, theories, methods
For this 360-point honours degree you require:
and debates in psychology; to analyse and evaluate
60 points from the following optional Level 1 courses: psychological concepts and theories; and to assess
Course title Code Points Page different kinds of evidence including, quantitative
and qualitative data. Psychology graduates have
The arts past AA100 60 p
skills and knowledge relevant to careers in education,
and present industry, the health professions, management and
or social services.
Introducing the DD101 60 36 This degree is accredited by the British Psychological
social sciences Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the
or Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR). This is the first
step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Introducing the social DD131 30 37
sciences – part one and Please note that those who started their degree from
September 2006 onwards will need at least a lower
Introducing the social DD132 30 p
second-class honours to be eligible for GBR from
sciences – part two
the BPS.
And 180 points from the following compulsory
courses: What will it cover?
Level 2 compulsory courses Your first psychology course after your Level 1 study
Philosophy and the A211 60 p
– Exploring psychology (DSE212) – introduces a
human situation wide range of psychological approaches, including
biological, social, and cognitive psychologies. It looks
Exploring psychology DSE212 60 45 at areas such as identity, memory, consciousness,
Level 3 compulsory course and learning, and you’ll also learn how to do
different types of psychological research. Before
Thought and experience: AA308 60 p
progressing to Level 3 courses on cognitive and
themes in the philosophy
social psychology, you’ll study courses on child
of mind
development and biological psychology.
And 60 points from the following optional Level 3
courses: You’ll also get…
Cognitive psychology DD303 60 46 You can also achieve a Certificate in Natural Sciences
Social psychology: DD307 60 45 (C26) along the way, if you choose Exploring science
critical perspectives on (S104) as your first Level 1 course.
self and others Continued on page 28
To qualify for a BA or BSc Open degree without We are currently reviewing our range of diplomas.
honours you will need: Please click www.open.ac.uk/study for more
information.
• 300 points, of which at least 180 points must be
above Level 1 and, of these, at least 60 points must Receiving credit for previous study
be at Level 3. Often, students find they can transfer more credit to
For a BA or BSc Open degree with honours you an Open degree than they can to a named degree
will need: in social sciences.
• 360 points, of which at least 240 points must be To find out more visit www.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer
above Level 1 and, of these, at least 120 points
must be at Level 3. Open degree website
For more information about the Open degree,
Should I study an Open degree including frequently asked questions, click
www.open.ac.uk/study-open
with honours or without honours?
Studying an Open degree without honours can take
less time and cost less to study than an Open degree
with honours, but for entry onto postgraduate level
Is OU study lonely?
You’ll mostly be studying at home, or wherever you
choose, but you’re never alone. See page 4 for how
we can offer continual support.
Where do I start?
There are many different places that you can start your study of the social sciences and this prospectus will
help you make that decision. The table below gives you an idea of where might be the best place to start
depending on your experience of study. Credit points from Openings and Short courses can count towards
OU qualifications, for example in the free-choice element if you’re studying a degree.
Start with one of our specially Start with one of our Level 1 Start with a longer, broader
designed Level 1 Openings short courses, for example Level 1 course, for example
courses, for example Introduction to counselling Introducing the social sciences
Understanding society (Y157). (D171). (DD101).
A great place to start: We offer short courses in These Level 1 courses will
introductory courses, with subjects relevant to the social give you a firm foundation for
lots of help from tutors who’ll sciences at Level 1 which are more specialist study at Levels
support you all the way, and taught online over a 12-week 2 and 3. These usually take
no examinations. period. six to nine months to complete
and are a common first step
You’ll develop the study skills If you’re ready for study at
towards a qualification.
you need, gain confidence higher-education level these
and explore a subject that courses will give you a flavour To find the Level 1 course for
interests you. of OU study before you your subject of choice – see
commit yourself to a longer the Start with sections in the
See pages 32–34 for more
course. See pages 34–35 for qualification descriptions.
information.
more information. See pages 14–29.
Courses
�
In our courses you’ll engage with some
of the most compelling and contested
questions in contemporary society:
How do we communicate with each
other? Why do places carry meaning
for people? What are our rights as
citizens? Why are we so fascinated
by crime? What shapes our identity
and why?
Courses
Openings courses 32
Short courses 34
Longer, broader courses 36
Criminology 38
Economics and financial studies 38
Environment 40
Geography 41
International studies 42
Media studies 43
Politics 44
Psychological studies 45
Social policy 46
Sociology 47
36 Courses
Politics, media and war: 9/11 and its impacts Longer, broader courses
Whatever you’re thinking of studying, we strongly
Code: D271 advise starting with a Level 1 course. Level 2
Points: 15 study is demanding and, like second year study
at any university, would be a very challenging
Level: 2 (SCQF level 8) place to start. Our students are most successful
Assessment: 1 TMA, 1 ECA when they’ve done the groundwork that Level 1 is
Start: Oct 2009, Apr 20101 specifically designed to cover.
Length: 12 weeks
Longer, broader Level 1 courses
Register by: Course start date
Previously, war (or its threat) was posed at inter-state These Level 1 courses are designed to be the
level, but now the means of large scale political foundation study for many of the degrees offered in
violence is held by transnational actors below the social sciences. They provide you with the skills and
knowledge needed to progress successfully to study
level of the state. Accompanying this shift is the
at Levels 2 and 3 and offer a broad introduction to
resurgence of religious belief as a cause of war,
social sciences. Please check the requirements of
and the drive for power over territories and nations.
individual qualifications to see which courses count
Political leaders, as ever, are at the forefront – the towards the area you are interested in.
mediation of war and political violence raise crucial
questions about legitimacy, democracy and the
means of prosecuting war. This 12-week online New Introducing the social sciences
course introduces contemporary, cutting edge
Code: DD101
issues in international politics and media studies, by
exploring the geopolitical causes and consequences Points: 60
of 11 September 2001. Level: 1 (SCQF level 7)
1
This presentation of the course is subject to Start: Oct 2009, Jan 2010
University approval.
Assessment: 7 TMAs
Length: 9 months
Register by: 11 Sep 2009 for Oct 2009 start
16 Dec 2009 for Jan 2010 start
This course is an ideal introduction to the social
sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology,
geography and environment, politics and international
studies, economics and sociology – through study of
contemporary UK society. Using a blend of text, audio,
DVD and online materials, you’ll explore a wide range
of topics, including questions of society’s relationship
to the environment, questions of identity and issues of
social order and governance – all considered in their
national and international contexts – that will equip you
with a range of skills for independent study and for
your personal and working life.
This course examines the relationships between the Equally, if your personal finances are in good shape
worlds of social welfare and crime control. It focuses it’s probably down to sound economic management.
on policy interventions and responses in the UK Whether it’s planning for your future, managing public
and around the world to issues such as anti-social services, or running a multinational business, the
behaviour, poverty, discrimination, hate crimes, child allocation of resources between competing forces is
labour, health and disease, families, slums, ghettos a fine and constantly shifting balancing act.
and gated communities. Using multi-media teaching Because economics directly relates to everyday life
materials, the course is organised by four conceptual it’s a fascinating subject to study.
themes - surveillance, social justice, security and
community. It will equip you with the skills you need OU courses take you from the basic theories and
to select and evaluate evidence in relation to social principles, through to more in-depth debate and insight
science arguments and social policy. into key issues, such as who wins and loses from
globalisation, and ask whether continued economic
growth is compatible with environment protection.
An economics qualification opens up career
opportunities in accountancy, finance and
management, although the skills you acquire will be
valued and rewarded by many organisations. In fact,
research shows that the earnings premium attached
to an economics degree is second only to law.
Code: DD202
Doing economics: people,
Points: 60 New markets and policy
Level: 2 (SCQF level 9)
Code: DD309
Assessment: 6 TMAs, 1 examination
Points: 60
Start: Feb 2010
Level: 3 (SCQF level 10)
Length: 9 months
Assessment: 6 TMAs, 1 ECA
Register by: 16 Dec 2009
Start: Jan 2010
This introduction to contemporary economics explores
Length: 9 months
national and global debates such as: Are we living
through a new, ICT-led industrial revolution? What are Register by: 16 Dec 2009
the economic outcomes of globalisation? Is capitalism This course teaches economic theories that explain
environmentally sustainable? Do governments really the behaviour of people in households, firms,
have the will and capacity to redistribute income? You markets and governments. It presents alternative
will investigate a wide range of issues in economic economic explanations stemming from different fields
theory including innovation; economic policy and social sciences that will enable you to make your
and competition; firms’ decision making; market own critical judgements of which alternative serves
structures; the changing role of the state; poverty which purpose best. The course also equips you
and international trade; unemployment and inflation; with the research skills that you’ll need to conduct
economic forecasting; and managing the national your own project on a subject you want to know more
economy. The course will also enhance your ICT skills about. At the end of the course, you should have
through its innovative, multimedia teaching approach, developed a more critical view of the socio-economic
which includes a ‘virtual classroom’. and financial world in which you live.
Geography goes far beyond locations and It is commonplace now to say that the world has
landscapes. From climate change and cultural gone global. Whenever we buy food and clothes,
differences to politics and populations, geography’s listen to music, or watch the news, we can see
diversity is its strength and makes it one of the most how different parts of the world, often thousands
stimulating subjects you can study. of miles apart, are connected together. And with
these multiple and various connections comes a
Geography at the OU will answer many of your most sense of the world as being a complex and exciting
searching questions about how our complex world place. This course will help you to understand that
is changing. You’ll understand more about how complexity, giving you some key geographical
places develop a distinctive character, why places concepts which help to make sense of the processes
are meaningful to people, and how the processes and patterns shaping our globalised world.
of globalisation influence places in a variety of ways
across the world.
Geography Level 3
If you’re interested in exploring the relationship
between social change and the environment, you We strongly advise that you do not begin your studies
might also like to consider linking your geography at Level 3. If in doubt, please contact our advisory staff.
studies with courses from our environment,
development and international studies programme Understanding cities
see www.open.ac.uk/study for further information.
Code: DD304
As a geographer, you’ll have a number of different
career opportunities. Your background is attractive to Points: 60
many employers, but particularly to development and Level: 3 (SCQF level 10)
aid agencies, and organisations involved in heritage, Assessment: 6 TMAs, 1 ECA
the environment, leisure, tourism, and town and
transport planning. Start: Feb 2010
Length: 9 months
Register by: 16 Dec 2009
For the first time in human history, more than half
the world’s population will be living in cities. Huge
influxes of people are entering cities, often in poor
countries with few resources. This challenges not
only how cities are to be understood, but also
how people are to survive and thrive in cities. This
multidisciplinary social science course offers a fresh
look at cities as the world attempts to grapple with
the problems and possibilities they present.
Media studies
We are surrounded by the media – it fills our leisure
time and shapes our cultural, social and political
interests. Film images, magazines and newspapers,
posters, the internet and radio and television
broadcasts: these all influence our thinking
and actions.
Through OU study you can explore many aspects
of how the new multimedia cultural industries
have come to dominate our lives. Understanding
more about how the media affects our senses,
the organisations that control output, and how
censorship works, will help you to take a more critical
view of the media you engage with every day.
Becoming an OU student
�
If you’re studying full time at another institution, you
Applying to the OU must get written permission from its principal to study
At the OU, you study individual courses. You can with us.
gradually build these up and work towards a You will not be allowed to study more than 120
qualification – a certificate, a diploma or a degree. course points at any one time (including examination
resits, deferrals and resubmissions), unless you’re
For most of our courses, the process of applying is
attending up to two additional and related stand-alone
very simple:
residential school courses; or if course presentations
• choose the course you want to study overlap by no more than one month; or both.
• register for it
Counting previous study
• pay your fees.
towards an OU qualification
Ways to register If you’ve successfully completed some higher-
education study elsewhere, we may be able to give
Online at www.open.ac.uk/study
you credit for it. You may then need fewer OU courses
Complete the personalised form (if enclosed) to achieve your chosen qualification. Transferred
Phone an OU hotline: credit is awarded only for periods of relevant study
that have been formally assessed and can be verified
• In England, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, as successfully completed. Attendance at a course
the Isle of Man, British Forces Post Office (BFPO) that is not formally assessed would not entitle you to
addresses outside the UK and all other countries, claim for transferred credit. For more information,
except the EU and Switzerland: +44 (0)845 300 60 90 click www.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer
• In Northern Ireland: 028 9032 3722
• In the Republic of Ireland: How much will it cost?
(01)6785399 or +44 28 9032 3722 Course fees depend on what you study and where you
• In other EU countries and Switzerland: live – please see the separate Course Fees 2009/2010
+44 191 477 6100 leaflet, click www.open.ac.uk/study or, for information
about studying outside the UK, see page 52.
To sponsor a group of students, email corporate
enquiries@open.ac.uk or call +44 (0)845 366 6053. UK fees apply if you meet the criteria
For help or advice before registering contact our set out below:
Student Registration & Enquiry Service (see page 56)
UK national
or your OU country representative (page 53).
You are entitled to pay the UK course fee if you are
When to apply ‘settled’ 1 in the UK (excluding Channel Islands and
Isle of Man) on the first day of your course and you
Registering well before the closing date means
have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three
we can allocate you a tutor and send you course
years prior to the course start date.
materials and, where appropriate, tutorial details in
plenty of time before your course starts. Remember If you are temporarily and unavoidably working
to let us know if you plan to move to another country outside the UK for a period of less than three years
after you’ve registered as this may affect your you will still be classified as ‘ordinarily resident’ in the
fees. For more information see individual course UK and therefore eligible to pay UK course fees.
descriptions in this prospectus, click If you are currently resident outside the UK, using
www.open.ac.uk/study, or call +44 (0)845 300 60 90. a BFPO address as you are either a member of the
You should register well in advance of the closing British Armed Forces or a UK diplomat then you can
date if you wish to apply for financial support (see pay UK course fees for the total time spent outside the
page 50) or if you want to make a claim for credit UK. If you work for the Foreign and Commonwealth
transfer (see opposite). Office and were appointed to your post whilst resident
within the UK and are currently working abroad and
Entry and study requirements using a BFPO address then you will also be eligible to
pay the UK course fees if you have not been resident
There are no formal academic requirements or outside the UK for more than three years.
selection procedures for most of our undergraduate
courses, but it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for If you are ordinarily resident in the Channel Islands
study at the appropriate level. For further details, or the Isle of Man then you are not eligible to pay UK
click www.open.ac.uk/study or call us on course fees.
+44 (0)845 300 60 90.
If you would like to pay via OUSBA you will need OU gift vouchers
to complete a separate credit agreement for
each course you wish to study. The type of credit OU vouchers make an inspiring present, ideal
agreement you need to complete depends on the if you’re looking for an unusual gift for someone
length of the course you are studying: special. Or ask family and friends to support your
own study by buying vouchers for special occasions.
Courses that are more than five months in duration To buy or redeem vouchers, click
If your course is longer than five months in duration www.openuniversity.co.uk/vouchers
you will receive two pre-printed credit agreements
with your registration agreement after you have made Tesco Clubcard Deals tokens
a reservation. If you wish to charge your fees to An innovative partnership between the OU and
OUSBA you must sign, date and return the ‘Original’ Tesco allows shoppers to exchange their Clubcard
agreement with your registration form. The ‘Copy’ vouchers for Deals tokens, worth four times their
of the agreement that displays a customer copy value, to pay for part or all of any OU undergraduate
watermark must be kept for your records. course. For every £10 of Clubcard vouchers, Tesco
If your course is longer than five months and you shoppers will receive £40 in Deals tokens towards
only want to pay for part of your fees using OUSBA paying for their course. To find out more about the
and the rest of your course fees are not being paid terms and conditions of this scheme – running
using a credit/debit card (e.g. OU gift vouchers), in the UK and the Republic of Ireland – click
please call +44 (0)845 300 60 90 before making a www.openuniversity.co.uk/clubcarddeals
reservation so that the OUSBA agreement can be
amended prior to despatch to you. Sponsorship
Courses that are five months in duration or less If you’re studying for vocational reasons your employer
may be willing to pay part or all of your fees. Your
If your course is five months or less in duration you
registration pack includes information on sponsorship.
will need to complete the following form: ‘Agreement
for courses five months in duration or less’ which
you can download from the OUSBA website Financial support
www.open.ac.uk/ousba or request by calling
+44 (0)845 300 60 90. You should complete an The OU and the relevant governments of the UK fund
agreement for each course you are applying for a range of financial support services to help you
and return them with your completed registration with the costs of studying. This year we expect over
agreement. 38,000 students to receive some kind of financial
support for their OU studies.
Applying for an OUSBA account online
The type and level of support available depends on
Continuing students who have previously paid for your household income, whether you receive certain
a course using OUSBA can apply for an OUSBA state benefits and where you live (see below). If
account online during registration. Students who
you’re a UK, EEA or Switzerland student you need to
are currently in debt or arrears to OUSBA, or the
have been resident in the UK for three years or more.
University, will not be able to use this facility. If you
are a new student or have not used an OUSBA Click www.open.ac.uk/financialsupport where you
account before, you will only be able to register can use our calculator to find out if you’re eligible.
online if you are paying your fees in full by credit or
debit card. If you live in the UK and would like apply for financial
support to study one of our Openings or Short
courses, you’ll need to complete the application
When we confirm your acceptance for an
form printed in the back of the relevant prospectus.
OUSBA account you will receive a separate
To order your copies, see page 57 or click
Direct Debit mandate (CATI instruction for
www.open.ac.uk/prospectus
overseas students) for each course you are
Allowances are given for a partner and dependent • ILA Scotland £500 learner account – If your
children. These are £2000 for a partner, £2000 for your personal income is £18,000 or less a year, or you’re
first child and £1000 for each further child. If you live on certain benefits, you can claim up to £500 a
with your parents, their income will not be included in year towards the course fee if you are studying at
any assessment of your household income. least 60 credit points a year, equivalent to studying
for at least 50 per cent of the time needed to
For example, if you have a partner and two children
complete a full-time course.
who are financially dependent on you, you could
have a household income of up to £35,000 and be • ILA Scotland £200 learner account – If your
entitled to receive some financial support. personal income is £18,000 or less a year, or you’re
on certain benefits, you can claim up to £200 a
Depending on your income and your course of study,
year towards a wide range of courses, where the
you’ll be eligible to apply for:
amount of study is less than 60 points.
Fee grant and course grant – If you are on certain
The threshold amounts and regulations for using ILA
benefits or have a household income below £30,000
learner accounts may change. For the most up-to
(plus allowances, where applicable) you can apply
date information, click www.ilascotland.org.uk
for support towards your course fees and study
costs. You will need to be studying between 30 and Other help – For help with study-related expenses
90 points worth of courses to qualify. For current (such as computers, cost of broadband,
details of income thresholds and grant amounts, childcare, travel to tutorials or residential schools)
click www.open.ac.uk/financialsupport discretionary funds may be available to students
who have financial difficulty in meeting these costs.
Access to Learning Fund – Students with a
Discretionary funds cannot be used to pay fees.
household income below £27,505 plus allowances
can apply for assistance from the Access to Learning Keeping up to date
Fund. This fund is provided to assist students who To find the most up-to-date information on the financial
are facing higher than expected costs as a result of support available to students in Scotland – particularly
their study. It cannot be used to pay for course fees, any changes to income thresholds – please see
but will support course-related costs such as travel, our website www.open.ac.uk/financialsupport.
childcare, computer purchase and internet access. Alternatively, contact The Open University in Scotland
on 0131 226 3851, or email Scotland@open.ac.uk.
Funding may be limited and is allocated on a first-
come, first-served basis. For more information and
application forms call 0845 300 60 90 or email If you have a disability, health
general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
condition, mental-health disability
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) For more information please contact either your
OU country representative (see opposite) or the
– UK students only applicable OU office (see page 56).
Disabled Students’ Allowances help with costs that
result directly from your disability or specific learning Fees
difficulty. Allowances are not means-tested and If you’re not eligible to pay a UK course fee (see
may go towards specialist equipment (such as an page 48), your fee will be higher than the UK fees.
adapted computer), non-medical study support (for Fees for students in the UK are substantially less than
example, a sign-language interpreter; a note-taker or the full cost of teaching because the UK government
a dyslexia support worker) or other related expenses. gives the OU a grant which covers the majority of
Eligibility and allowances depend on where you those costs; this grant can only be used to support
live and what you’re studying. In England, Wales or the teaching of citizens of the European Economic
Northern Ireland you may be eligible for a DSA if Area (EEA), Switzerland and Agreed Overseas
you’re studying at least 30 credit points towards an Territories who are resident within the UK. It cannot
OU undergraduate qualification that lasts for more be used to meet the costs of teaching students who
than one year. In Scotland you must be studying at are resident elsewhere.
least 60 credit points towards an OU undergraduate
Fees for students resident in the Irish Republic are
qualification that lasts for more than one year. All
lower than those for residents in other EU countries
students, wherever they live, are required to complete
because the teaching costs are lower. Students in the
their qualification in no more than twice the time of a
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man also pay higher
full-time student.
fees. These territories are not part of the EEA and
You can also apply for help with study-related travel their citizens do not pay UK tax, so a UK government
costs that directly result from your disability. grant cannot be used to contribute to the costs of
Students in Scotland are not eligible for travel costs teaching students there.
to attend tutorials, but may receive help with travel to To work out how much your course will cost, please
integral residential schools. click www.open.ac.uk/study or refer to the separate
Course Fees 2009/2010 leaflet.
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
For students who have studied with the University
• Call our DSA Office on 01908 654136 (voice before, we accept payment by bank transfer in all
telephone) 01908 659955 (textphone) European currencies, Swiss francs or US dollars
• Fax on 01908 659956 and use the exchange rate which applies on the day
we process your registration. Please note that you
• Email DSA-Queries@open.ac.uk
must quote your Open University Personal Identifier
number on all bank transfer requests. Failure to do so
If you live in Scotland
will result in your registration being severely delayed.
• Call our Disability and Additional Requirements
Team on 0131 226 3851 Tuition outside the UK
• Email Scotland@open.ac.uk We can offer tutorial support by post and possibly
by phone, fax, online forums or email. There may
be an opportunity for a face-to-face tutorial meeting
Studying outside the UK depending on the number of students in your area,
and you may also be able to organise your own
Residence informal student support group. Once we know how
Most of our courses are open only to residents many students are registered on your course we can
of the following countries: confirm tutorial arrangements.
If English isn’t your first language please see page 54.
Austria France Netherlands
Belgium Germany Poland Using the OU Library
Bulgaria Gibraltar Portugal You’ll be able to use our online library service –
please see page 6 or click www.open.ac.uk/library
Channel Greece Republic of
Islands Ireland
Hungary Course software
Cyprus Isle of Man Romania
Some course software for use with Microsoft
Czech Italy Slovakia Windows is tested only on UK English versions.
Republic Slovenia If you experience any problems please email
Latvia
Denmark Spain OU-computing-helpdesk@open.ac.uk or call the
Lithuania
Estonia Sweden Computing helpdesk on +44 (0)1908 653972.
Luxembourg
Finland Switzerland. Please also see the elearning and computers section
Malta
on page 54.
www.open.ac.uk/study
or, students in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man,
British Forces Post Office (BFPO) addresses outside the UK
and all other countries, except the EU and Switzerland,
please call our Student Registration & Enquiry Service on:
SUP 008459
Social Sciences
Course Fees
2009/2010
INSPIRING LEARNING
Course title Start UK Republic Other
Course Fees 2009/2010 dates fee of countries
The fees for all the courses described in the (£) Ireland fee (£)
Social Sciences Prospectus are supplied in this fee (£)
leaflet.
A world Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
For advice choosing the right course and of whose
qualification for you, visit www.open.ac.uk/study making?
or call our Student Registration & Enquiry Service (DU301)
on +44 (0)845 300 60 90 (Monday to Friday 08.00 Cognitive Jan 2010 1045 1745 1925
to 20.00 and Saturday 09.00 to 17.00 UK time) psychology
or email general-enquiries@open.ac.uk. (DD303)
We’re here to help. Contemporary May 2010 225 515 620
Wales (D172)
All prices shown are in pounds sterling.
Crime and Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
justice
How to pay (DD301)
We have several ways to help you pay fees – please Doing Jan 2010 630 1330 1510
see page 49 of the Social Sciences Prospectus. economics:
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able people,
to take advantage of our financial support services markets
and apply for a grant for your course fees and for and policy
help with study costs – please see page 50 for full (DD309)
details. Earth in crisis: Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
environmental
Studying outside the UK policy in an
If you’re not eligible to pay a UK course fee (please international
see page 48 of the Social Sciences Prospectus), context
your fee will be higher. This is because we don’t (DU311)
receive UK government funding for you. Economics Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
and economic
We accept payment in currencies of all European
change
Union countries, in Swiss francs or in US dollars.
(DD202)
Students who have studied with the University before
can also pay by bank transfer; you must quote your Environment Jan 2010 630 1330 1510
Open University Personal Identifier number on all (U216)
bank transfer requests. Failure to do so will result Environment: Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
in your registration being severely delayed. We’ll journeys Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
use the exchange rate which applies on the day we through a
process your registration agreement. changing
world (U116)
Exploring Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
psychology
(DSE212)
Family Oct 2009 225 515 620
meanings Apr 2010 225 515 620
(D270)
Film and Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
television
history
(AA310)
Course title Start UK Republic Other Course title Start UK Republic Other
dates fee of countries dates fee of countries
(£) Ireland fee (£) (£) Ireland fee (£)
fee (£) fee (£)
Governing Feb 2010 630 1330 1510 Power, dissent, Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
Europe equality:
(DD200 or understanding
DDZX200) contemporary
International Feb 2010 630 1330 1510 politics
development: (DD203)
challenges Social Jan 2010 630 1330 1510
for a world psychology:
in transition critical
(U213) perspectives
Introducing May 2010 360 795 915 on self and
the social others (DD307)
sciences Sociology Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
– part one and society
(DD131) (DD201)
Introducing Oct 2009 630 1330 1510 Start writing Oct 2009 155 362 420
the social Jan 2010 630 1330 1510 family history
sciences (A173)
(DD101) Starting with Jun 2009 £110 N/A N/A
Introduction Oct 2009 225 515 620 psychology Sep 2009 £115 N/A N/A
to counselling Apr 2010 225 515 620 (Y163) Nov 2009 £115 N/A N/A
(D171) Mar 2010 £115 N/A N/A
Learning to Jun 2009 £110 N/A N/A Jun 2010 £115 N/A N/A
change (Y165) Sep 2009 £115 N/A N/A The Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
Nov 2009 £115 N/A N/A environmental
Mar 2010 £115 N/A N/A web (U316)
Jun 2010 £115 N/A N/A Understanding Feb 2010 630 1330 1510
Living in a Feb 2010 630 1330 1510 cities (DD304)
globalised Understanding Sep 2009 150 360 415
world (DD205) human Nov 2009 150 360 415
Living political Oct 2009 630 1330 1510 nutrition Feb 2010 150 360 415
ideas (DD306) (SK183) May 2010 150 360 415
Making Oct 2009 630 1330 1510 Understanding Jan 2010 630 1330 1510
social worlds media (DA204)
(DD308) Understanding Jun 2009 £110 N/A N/A
Personal May 2010 360 795 915 society (Y157) Sep 2009 £115 N/A N/A
investment in Nov 2009 £115 N/A N/A
an uncertain Mar 2010 £115 N/A N/A
world (DB234) Jun 2010 £115 N/A N/A
Personal Oct 2009 630 1330 1510 Welfare, crime Oct 2009 630 1330 1510
lives and and society
social policy (DD208)
(DD305) You and Nov 2009 360 795 915
Politics, Oct 2009 225 515 620 your money: May 2010 360 795 915
media and Apr 2010 225 515 620 personal
war: 9/11 and finance
its impacts in context
(D271) (DB123)
While we’ve done everything possible to make sure the information in this price list is accurate, it may
change due to regulations or policy or because of financial or other changes.
Student Registration & Enquiry Service, The Open University, PO Box 197, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ
www.open.ac.uk/study SUP 008460