Our Student Registration & Enquiry Service staff can suggest the best starting point for you.
We offer a flexible programme where you can choose which qualifications you study for. You could work towards a named degree, for example in history, or select from a range of arts courses that reflect your interests. Most students fit study in with other commitments and complete an Open degree in five years, but you could complete one more quickly. It’s possible to complete an arts and humanities degree within four years, although it’s more usual to study for six years, part time.
OU undergraduate courses are at Levels 1, 2 and 3, and are roughly equivalent to studying first, second and third/final year at a campus-based university. We recommend you work progressively from Level 1 through to Level 2 and then onto Level 3 so you can build the appropriate skills to tackle the challenges of higher-level modules. Throughout your studies you’ll be supported by committed and experienced tutors who will guide you through your study and provide feedback on your work. As an OU student, you’ll be joining one of the top 100 Arts and Humanities faculties in the world, and the UK university ranked top for student satisfaction in the last three years. Remember you don’t need any entry qualifications - just enthusiasm!
If you’re beginning study with The Open University, you might just want to test the waters with our Openings module
Making sense of the arts (Y180). This offers lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to the subject and OU study. Follow this link if you would like to learn more about
how OU study works.
If you’re more confident about entering higher education or returning to study,
The arts past and present (AA100) is the recommended first module for our degrees. It introduces you to the range of arts and humanities subjects, taking you from the ancient world through to the present. You’ll learn essential approaches for a range of subjects and develop your writing and study skills.
The arts past and present showcases arts and humanities modules at Level 2 to help you get a feel for what to do next. Follow this link if you would like to read more about
studying the arts and humanities.
When you’ve completed your undergraduate degree you may want to think of studying for a masters degree. We have developed new two-year programmes in history, English and religious studies and continue to offer three-year awards in art history, classical studies, music and philosophy.
You can explore the range of arts and humanities courses and qualifications by following the links on the left.
