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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Art History and Visual Cultures
This degree will equip you with the knowledge and critical skills to investigate works of art, images, objects and architecture, from the local to the global and from prehistory to the present. Through your studies, you’ll explore the place of art history and visual cultures in the wider humanities and as a component in the creative and cultural industries, while also developing transferable skills in visual literacy, critical thinking, and communication. This will be a rich and rounded experience as you discover the power of images and works of art to influence debates and shape everyday life.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Art History and Visual Cultures that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This art history and visual cultures degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
In Stage 1, you'll encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with fascinating people, artworks, ideas and stories. As an art history student, this broad interdisciplinary foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist art history modules at Stages 2 and 3.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Cultures (A112)60Oct | Feb

Stage 2 engages you thematically with the central questions of art history and visual cultures from prehistory to the present day. You'll develop visual literacy skills through a cutting-edge exploration of different ways of looking and by analysing visual, spatial and material examples from a diverse range of cultural contexts. Each module introduces art and visual cultures in the broadest sense, and in everyday settings, including the transfer of art historical concepts and knowledge to wider public, curatorial, commercial and industrial contexts.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)60Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)60Oct

Stage 3 highlights the vital role that art has played in the stories that Europeans have told about the wider world, and suggests ways in which these stories might be challenged or revised.
In your final module, you'll explore a broad programme of study in art history and visual cultures that introduces the widest possible range of approaches, themes, periods and geographies. From these options, you'll select and develop an independent research project on a subject that interests you.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
Art and its critical histories (A336)60Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.
Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Cultures (A112)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)60Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
You’ll study both of the following:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
Art and its critical histories (A336)60Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's one 60-credit module each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Cultures (A112)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll study the following:
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll complete your degree with:
Art and its critical histories (A336)60Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by expert tutors, rich materials, and collaborative learning opportunities.
You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) Art History and Visual Cultures upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3. 
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying one 60-credit module per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
All Arts study fosters critical thinking, analysis, and communication. This qualification goes further by enabling you to develop a high level of visual literacy and confidence in engaging with major artists and artworks, and other important visual material. You'll be able to analyse works of art from a wide range of cultural and artistic genres. You'll also have excellent communication skills and will be able to use a range of digital resources appropriate for the subject, while the final project will enhance your research skills and your independent management of a substantial piece of academic work. These key skills are highly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.
Studying the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the BA (Honours) Art History and Visual Cultures relevant to a wide range of careers, including:
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you'll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we've put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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