When you study politics at The Open University you’ll consider who exercises power, whether governance can be accountable and what kinds of responsibilities exist within societies and across borders. By bringing into play the findings of their research, our academics will help you engage with these topics and challenge your preconceptions.
 

Our teaching

The research we do heavily influences our teaching, and research-driven materials are central to our modules and qualifications. You’ll have the opportunity to explore how political ideas, institutions and processes help govern our world and understand how political ideas are studied and assessed. Our brand new MA in International Relations also offers the chance to take your study of some of the world's most pressing challenges to the next level.

Can I combine my studies?

You can study politics alongside history, where you will take on the role of both political scientist and historian in studying historical materials and contemporary problems. Or combine politics with both philosophy and economics to address fundamental questions of power and ideology, beliefs and values. You can also choose to take BA (Honours) International Studies, which considers the interconnectivity of our world and the impacts of this.

Politics & international studies and your career

Our qualifications are designed with your career in mind, and a degree in this discipline can support you directly in roles such as public administration, civil and diplomatic services, and central and local government. But you’ll also learn a wide range of applicable skills, such as analysis, communication and critical thinking, which are of value to employers in many sectors.
 

Find out more

• View our qualifications.