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Introduction to making political and social change
This course is available in English, Welsh and Scottish Gaelic.
The UK is experiencing multiple crises: environmental, economic, political, social and health-related. This free online course outlines some of the key citizenship skills and information needed to intervene in the world as it changes.
It explores how to make change politically and socially by giving essential background information to get started, examples of inspiring changemakers, advice on how to have an impact both within and outside of traditional UK parliamentary politics, and the qualities needed to succeed.
- How can you make a difference, politically and socially, to these challenges and others?
- How can the UK Parliament be utilised?
- How can the devolved parliaments/assemblies make change?
- How can you be a changemaker?
This free online course will explore political and social engagement and offer guidance and inspiration to all changemakers, no matter how small.
The Open University supports the Sustainable Development Goals.
- SDG 4 ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’
- SDG 10 ‘Reduced inequalities’
- SDG 16 ‘Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- recognise some of the current UK and/or global challenges that interest you
- understand what is meant by 'active citizenship'
- understand how to make political and social change as an active citizen: how to be a 'changemaker'
- understand the workings of the UK political institutions and the role they have in making change, as well as other ways of making change
- identify and be able to apply in real-life settings some of the key skills and knowledge needed to make change.
First Published: 29/09/2022
Updated: 05/06/2026
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One of the strongest aspects of the course is its balance between theory and practice. It helps learners understand how political institutions work, especially in the UK context, while also encouraging them to think strategically about how to identify issues, set goals, research evidence, and choose the right people or organisations to approach. The examples of changemakers such as Greta Thunberg, Marcus Rashford, Ian McKellen, and Monica Lennon make the content inspiring and easy to relate to.
The course is also valuable because it highlights the connection between local and global issues. Topics such as climate change show how local actions can be shaped by wider economic and political forces, and how local problems can have international consequences. This helps learners think beyond their immediate surroundings and understand the importance of collective and cross-border action.
If there is a limitation, it is that much of the institutional detail is specific to the UK. However, the core ideas—active citizenship, strategic campaigning, accountability, coalition-building, and persistence—are still highly relevant for learners outside the UK.
Overall, this is a useful and motivating course for anyone who wants to become more engaged in society and learn how to make a difference. I would recommend it to students, activists, community organisers, and anyone interested in civic participation and social change.