England.  Change location

Arts and Humanities courses

Human culture, in all its varieties, offers rich possibilities for study. You can explore anything from art history to music, or creative writing to philosophy with one of our arts and humanities courses. Find out where your interests can take you with The Open University.


Arts and HumanitiesDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


Arts and HumanitiesDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


Arts and HumanitiesCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Arts and Humanities with The Open University?

Engage with other students across the globe with a qualification in arts and humanities from The Open University. You can study a wide range of subjects, with the opportunity to specialise in one or two disciplines to suit your interests or needs. Alongside the opportunity to develop key, transferrable skills, the OU can offer you:

  • Undergraduate modules informed and developed as a result of our world-class research.
  • A broad and exciting range of topics and themes in specific subject areas, providing you with new perspectives on culture, society and humanity.
  • The opportunity to join the largest and most diverse faculty at the OU, with some 50,000 students on arts and social sciences courses.

Careers in Arts and Humanities

A qualification in arts and humanities will help in sharpening your IT skills, writing and ability to think independently. In today’s competitive job market, these key skills are greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.

Arts and humanities could lead to a career in:

  • Education
  • Creative and cultural industries
  • Legal work
  • Politics/local government

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Arts and Humanities modules

Arts and Humanities short courses

Start learning about aspects of the arts, film, media and music in just a few hours a week.

See our full list of Arts and Humanities short courses

All Arts and Humanities courses

Browse all the Arts and Humanities courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Arts and Humanities courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Arts and Humanities courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Arts and Humanities courses