The School of Social Sciences and Global Studies at The Open University is a hub for innovative disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and research-led teaching that aims to explore and tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by societies across the globe.
We offer an intellectually stimulating environment for academic staff and students, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies and a lively postgraduate research community.
Matt Staples (Head of School, SSGS)


The School offers a deliberately unconventional combination of disciplinary traditions which support a wide range of interdisciplinary and disciplinary modules and qualifications.

The School is a hub for disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and research-led teaching that aims to tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by societies across the globe.

Through the pursuit of strategic partnerships and progressive engagement, we strive to make a difference in the wider world.

Established in October 2021, the Centre provides critical, interdisciplinary insight, and innovative, social justice driven solutions to challenges facing contemporary global societies.
Politics Professor Simon Usherwood consults for OU/BBC series Rethink, which returns for series five, exploring new ideas in politics, society,…
Recent OU PhD graduate Xenia Rochelle Jones shares her inspiring sociology journey, overcoming personal and academic challenges to succeed—…
On Tuesday 1 July, Dr Georgina Holmes and NGO SecurityWomen ran an internal workshop for the UK Ministry of Defence on the recruitment…
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 12:00 to 13:00
Online
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 12:00 to 13:00
Online, via Microsoft Teams
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 13:00 to 14:00
In person & online
![]()
Explore our qualifications and courses by requesting one of our prospectuses today.