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Accessibility statement
Arts and Humanities at The Open University explores how people create meaning through culture, language and ideas. Our courses cover subjects such as art history, English literature, creative writing, classical studies, philosophy, music, history and religious studies. You’ll examine how the arts shape society and reflect human experience across time and place. With flexible, supported study, you can develop critical thinking, communication and analytical skills valued in education, media, heritage, the arts and beyond.
Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 6 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 3 years
Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 4 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 2 years
Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits
How long will it take?
Part-time: 16–18 hrs/week for 2 years
Full-time: 32–36 hrs/week for 1 year
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:
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:
Study individual modules to build your skills or explore a new interest – and count them towards a qualification if you decide to take your studies further.
See our full list of Arts and Humanities modules
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
Browse all the Arts and Humanities courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.
See our full list of Arts and Humanities courses
We also offer a range of postgraduate Arts and Humanities courses.
See our full list of postgraduate Arts and Humanities courses