Level 1

• Global challenges: social science in action (D113)

  This module investigates some of the major challenges facing the world today. Packed with engaging teaching material, thought-provoking interactive tasks and engrossing examples, it explores how social science helps us understand and respond to the climate crisis, the legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and the challenges posed by digital technology. Whether you take it as your first or second module, it is designed with you in mind. You'll have lots of support and be introduced to or have a chance to recap basic study skills.

• Introducing the social sciences (DD102)

  This OU level 1 module provides an ideal introduction to the social sciences –  social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology. You’ll explore a wide range of topics which shape the nature of contemporary UK society; from questions of identity, inequalities and differences to consumerism and environment, and issues of social order, disorder and governance. Using a blend of text, audio, video and online materials, you’ll be equipped with a range of skills for independent study and for your personal and working life.

Level 2

• Social research: crime, justice and society (DD215)

  In this module, you’ll take a journey across the social research process, exploring what social research is, how it’s conducted, and why it’s important. Social research forms a crucial part of efforts to shape and improve societies, and you’ll consider the many different ways that social researchers use their research to make a difference. You’ll also learn about gender, race and social class, which are core themes throughout. The module has been designed to leave you feeling curious, inspired, and empowered to think critically about the process of producing knowledge about the social world.

• Understanding digital societies (DD218)

  Technology has always been a part of society but the digital revolution of recent decades means that we are living through a period of particularly rapid change. This module is for anyone curious about the societal impacts of digital technology. Throughout the module you'll learn core sociological theory that will help you unpack and understand the societal, political and environmental impacts of digital technology. You'll consider digital societies in relation to three broad technological themes: individuals and society, power and inequality and, people and things.

Level 3

• Social theory: changing social worlds (DD318)

  In this module you'll explores some of the most important and influential traditions of sociological thought and the ever-changing social worlds that they emerge in response to.  It examines how transformations across four key areas of concern – work, culture, life, and control – have been accompanied by both significant social struggles and associated innovations in social theory and analysis. The range of specific topics and case studies explored moves from racial capitalism to precarious work, new forms of nationalism to biopolitics, algorithmic power to climate change.