Course modalities offered

The Open University
Social Sciences (Geography) (R23-GEO) BA (Hons)
The Open University

Course modalities offered
  • online
  • Feb 1, 2023 Part-time
  • online
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences (R23) degree. Half of your studies will be in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in the knowledge and ideas that are central to the social sciences. For the other half, you’ll learn how key geographical concepts can be applied to some of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, including globalisation, development, climate change, migration and urbanisation. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply geographical and social theories to current debates, analyse and assess different types of evidence, including statistical data, and carry out independent project-based work. You’ll also have gained a wide range of transferable skills – opening up employment opportunities in private, public and voluntary sector organisations.

Key features of the course

  • Specialise in human geography within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.

  • Explore real world problems such as globalisation and climate change.

  • Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.

  • Gain a degree directly relevant to careers in planning, local government, environmental management and teaching.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 224 graduates of Social Sciences (Geography) (R23-GEO) BA (Hons) at The Open University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Geography.

Overall student satisfaction
92 /100
224 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

chart data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2021
All Geography courses of The Open University
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Social Sciences (Geography) (R23-GEO), BA (Hons).

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of The Open University in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

Rankings of The Open University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #25 
    • #101 
    Geography
    ARWU by subject - Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 26 May, 2021]
    • #38 
    • #251 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all university rankings of The Open University

What students say about studying Geography in the UK?

  • A day in the life of BA Geography student Imogen | LSE Student Vlog
  • I'M BACK!! OPENING MY FIRST YEAR UNI EXAM RESULTS // GEOGRAPHY STUDENT AT LSE
  • STUDYING GEOGRAPHY AT OXFORD UNI
  • Why you SHOULD study geography at university

About The Open University

The Open University was established in 1969 in Milton Keynes, and is the largest university in the UK for undergraduate education. The OU is among the most prestigious distance-learning institutions in the United Kingdom, enjoying numerous awards and accreditations, including Triple Crown status for their Business School.

  • Intl. Open Diaries | Episode 5 | Technology-enhanced learning
  • The Open University presents Finlay
  • The Open University presents Rehana
  • The International Open Diaries

Where is this programme taught

Distance Learning
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