Course details
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with an introductory social sciences module, and then you'll choose one module from a range of subjects that includes psychology, mathematics and personal finance.
- Next, at Stage 2, you’ll begin by choosing one module from a range of subjects that includes psychology, economics and politics before completing your diploma with an interdisciplinary social sciences module.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
You will start with a broad introduction to the social sciences that explores a wide range of factors shaping the nature of contemporary society. You’ll then choose between exploring the social world in more depth, and introductions to criminology, psychology, personal finance and economics.
You’ll start this stage by choosing one module from a wide choice of subject areas. Your final module will deepen your understanding of how social science interprets and explains the social world – for example, how issues like obesity or smoking become a basis for public concern.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 23 January 2019.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in 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
- finding external/third party material online.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
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.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.
For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Counting previous study
You could save time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study towards this qualification if you have:
- already studied at university level (even if you didn't finish your studies)
- other professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
Find out more about credit transfer
Skills for career development
As well as specific knowledge related to social sciences, this diploma course will help you to develop a wide range of transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers. These include:
- clear written communication
- critical thinking
- retrieval, analysis and evaluation of information using ICT
- problem solving
- time management and self-motivation
- ability to debate arguments effectively
- manipulating numbers and basic statistical data
- use of critical feedback to reflect and improve
- working collaboratively
- report writing and giving presentations.
Career relevance
A qualification in social sciences can open up employment opportunities in business, banking, insurance, education, the health professions, administration, law, social services, voluntary and campaigning organisations, the media, public relations, public service organisations and government (national and local), planning and environmental management, the criminal justice system and social welfare organisations.
This diploma is equivalent to the first two years of a full degree. A valuable qualification in its own right, it also provides a sound basis for further study. For example, you could progress to the BA (Hons) Social Sciences (R23) or another of our social sciences degrees.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
- teacher
- lecturer
- social worker
- advertising planner
- marketing executive
- human resources manager
- researcher
- counsellor
- retail manager
- occupational psychologist
- television broadcaster
- journalist
- charity campaigner
- lawyer
- civil servant.