The Open University

The value of counselling to improve wellbeing and quality of life is increasingly recognised. From everyday worries to serious mental health issues like chronic anxiety and depression, counselling and psychological therapy can help us cope. Psychological therapies are rooted in psychological understanding, so this degree provides a strong foundation in psychology with a specific focus on how counselling works and how it can help people change.

BSc (Honours) Psychology

Psychology is all around us and touches upon every aspect of our lives. This fascinating degree investigates why we do the things we do; how we interact with others; how psychologists use research evidence to explore and debate issues such as ageing, crime, education, employment, forensic science, mental health, and relationships; and much more.

BSc (Honours) Forensic Psychology

What makes people do harm to others? What is a psychopath? How do you conduct an intervention with someone convicted of a violent crime, or help someone who has been the victim of crime? This degree explores these and many other important questions to do with psychology, crime and justice. You’ll also cover the field of psychology more broadly, gaining a window into the workings of the mind and insights into why people behave the way they do.

MA in English Literature

Our MA in English Literature introduces you to studying literature, poetry, drama and prose in relation to culture and across three broad themes. These are literary-popular culture, which includes exploring genre writing, the bestseller and mass literary production; revolution and literature, in which you’ll encounter texts representing revolutionary social or political change; and global literary cultures where you’ll look at English literature as an international literary form. The structure of this masters degree allows you to select options and specialise throughout the first year in preparation for the more sustained self-directed work of the dissertation in year two.

Leaflets with marching men and woman, with the title Dublin Historic Barracks Trail

Unknown heritage of military bases unveiled by groundbreaking project

Unknown military heritage of island of Ireland is unveiled by groundbreaking project.

20th March 2024

MA in International Relations

This masters degree will equip you with the tools to analyse key global challenges. This includes how the world responds to international division, rising powers, national and global security threats, the rise of populism, and global ethical dilemmas. You’ll gain a comprehensive grounding in core conceptual, empirical and theoretical debates in international relations. You’ll develop your knowledge of research methods as you progress, culminating in an extended, independently researched dissertation. You’ll also deepen a number of skills that are crucial to enhancing your career development and academic and professional research skills.

“I knew the OU was the right place for me to study” says Kathryn

Inspiration can come at the most unlikely times. As the world faced the pandemic in 2020, Psychology student Kathryn discovered her passion.

26th May 2023

MSc in Psychology (Conversion)

This masters programme offers you the opportunity to gain your first qualification accredited by the British Psychological Society. You’ll develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the key concepts, theories, methods and debates in psychology. This will include critically examining how psychological theories and research methodologies are applied in real world settings and assessing different kinds of evidence from quantitative and qualitative data. You’ll also gain an awareness of the importance of ethical issues in the practice of psychology. By completing this rigorous masters degree, you’ll build your numeracy, literacy, communication, team working, presentation, observational, cognitive and organisational skills as appropriate to the discipline.

Diploma of Higher Education in Criminology and Sociology

This diploma offers you the chance to study topical, and at times controversial, criminological and sociological subject matter. As you’re investigating questions of crime, criminalisation and social harm, you’ll look at society’s responses to these questions to determine if they are appropriate and adequate. You’ll explore how social worlds are made and how we are shaped by the societies in which we live. You'll also consider the impact of digital technology on individuals and society, power and inequality and, people and things, drawing on your own experience of the interactions you have with technology in your daily life.

BA (Honours) Criminology and Sociology

Building on the OU’s reputation for cutting-edge criminological and sociological teaching and research, this joint degree offers you the chance to study lively, topical and sometimes controversial subject matter. You’ll investigate questions of crime, criminalisation and social harm to determine whether society’s responses to these questions are adequate and appropriate. You’ll also explore how social worlds are made and how we, as individuals, are shaped by the societies in which we live.

Page 38 of 45