Social Science

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These fee-paying OU Courses are organised in collaboration with police partners, into categories of interest for all police officers and staff. All courses, except the short course, are credit bearing, which when combined form part of an OU qualification.

Select the duration of study below and you will be taken to resources that match that duration.

9 months (part time)

9 months (part time)

Introducing the social sciences

This level 1 module provides an introduction to the social sciences – psychology, 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.

Course code: DD102

Credits: 60

Investigating the social world

This multidisciplinary module uses a range of learning technologies to help you understand the social world. Drawing on the subjects of criminology, social policy, economics, environmental studies, geography, international studies, politics and sociology. Through the module’s investigative approach you’ll learn the methods, perspectives and tools of the social sciences, further developing your analytical and evaluative skills.

Course code: DD103

Credits: 60

Introduction to criminology

This module is an ideal introduction to one of the key areas of social sciences as it offers you an informed understanding of how criminal law is applied and its connection to social order/disorder, as well as criminal justice. On a week-by-week basis, you are introduced to different case studies encouraging you to think critically about the relationship between state, power and crime and the factors influencing the definition, contestation and deconstruction of crime in modern societies.

Course code: DD105

Credits: 60

Investigating health and social care

In an age in which various kinds of knowledge and research can be instantly available via the internet it is essential for health and social care students to learn discernment, and critical appreciation of the best knowledge and research available. This module concentrates on teaching you the skills necessary to conduct an investigation into a subject area of your own choice, related to either ageing society and older people or public health, in a systematic way through a literature review.

Course code: K323

Credits: 60

Social theory: changing social worlds

This module examines transformations across four key areas of concern – work, culture, life, and control. It explores a diverse range of sociological theories that have engaged with these themes. These include classical social theory, symbolic interactionism, post-structuralist theory, cultural theory, feminist theories, postcolonial theory, science and technology studies, ecological thought, and global social theory.

Course code: DD318

Credits: 60

Critical perspectives on mental health in society

Within this module you’ll explore and critically reflect upon mental health. You'll study the relationship between the lived experiences of individuals, and the society and environment in which they live. The module will introduce you to various models of understanding and critiquing mental health. Although the primary focus will be UK-based, examples from international contexts will be included in order for you to understand the impact that society as a whole can have on mental health.

Course code: K243

Credits: 60

People, work and society Access module

This access course covers a broad range of subject areas, including children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science to prepare you for a range of qualifications. You’ll study four themes: Individuals; Families and relationships; Organisations and communities; and Society. It will also gently introduce you to computing and online learning; and essential study skills needed for higher education.

Course code: Y032

Credits: 30

Perspectives in health and social care

Studying this module will help you get to grips with three important areas which affect us all - health and wellbeing, mental health and ageing and later life. You’ll be introduced to some of the key concepts, theories and debates and explore a rich mixture of real-life case studies, audio-visual material and academic texts, all developed by experts drawing on cutting-edge research.

Course code: K118

Credits: 60

News

Celebrating 10 Years of Policing Impact – CPRL Annual Report 2024 Now Live

The Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) is proud to launch our 2024 Annual Report, marking a decade of collaboration with policing that’s driven meaningful change and supported professional learning across the sector.

17th April 2025