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BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities

From poetry to song, and from sculpture to revolution, the extraordinary range of human culture offers rich possibilities for study. This broad and absorbing course develops a deep understanding of the world we live in and how we got here, covering a fascinating variety of perspectives, periods and subjects – including art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies. You'll learn from the OU’s world-class academic research, through high quality module materials and engage with fellow students from around the world.

Course Summary

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Degree

Course code: R14

Credits

360

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding Careers

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you can specialise in one or two subjects or combine modules from across the arts and humanities curriculum.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

In Stage 1 you will encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3.


Modules	Credits
You'll start your degree with:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60
We recommend you complete Stage 1 with either of these modules:
Cultures (A112)	60
Revolutions (A113)	60
Alternatively, you can choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules. If you plan to study French, German or Spanish as part of your degree, you should choose language modules appropriate to your prior level of study.

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)

At the start of Stage 2 you can focus on one or two subjects, or continue to study your own combination of arts and humanities modules. It's a good idea to think ahead to your Stage 3 choices, as we may recommend a particular Stage 2 module first (see module descriptions for further details).

Choosing your route through the degree

One specialist route (for example, Art history) – you'll study two modules at Stages 2 and 3, one from your chosen specialism and one selected from a wide choice of options.

Two specialist routes (for example, Art history and English literature) – you'll study two modules at Stage 2 and 3, one from each of your specialisms.

Broad route – choose from a variety of arts and humanities modules.

The following combinations of specialist routes are not available as they can be studied in alternative degrees:
– BA (Honours) English Language and Literature (Q39);
– BA (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing (Q86);
and any two from French, German, Spanish and English language – BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

Art history
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Exploring art and visual culture (A226)	60
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Art and its global histories (A344)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Classical studies
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Classical Latin: the language of ancient Rome (A276)	60
Exploring the classical world (A229)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Greek and Roman myth: stories and histories (A350)	60
The Roman empire (A340)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Creative writing
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Creative writing (A215)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Advanced creative writing (A363)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

English language
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
English in the world (L201)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Language and creativity (E302)	60
Language, literature and childhood (L301) – planned for October 2023	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

English literature
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Reading and studying literature (A230)	60
Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
English literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334)	60
Literature in transition: from 1800 to the present (A335)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

French
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
French studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L332)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

German
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

History
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)	60
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)	60
Europe 1914-1989: war, peace, modernity (A327)	60
The making of Welsh history (A329)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Music
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module - you'll choose one from:
Understanding music (A234)	60
Music, sound and technology (A232)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module – you'll choose one from:
Central questions in the study of music (A342)	60
Creative music making (CTLU302)* – planned for October 2023	60
*This module is produced in collaboration with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (go to our Collaborative scheme website for details).
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Philosophy
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Exploring philosophy (A222)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Key questions in philosophy (A333)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Religious studies
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Why is religion controversial? (A332)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Spanish
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Spanish studies 3: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L336)	60
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60

Broad route
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Option modules:
You'll choose two from this list of Stage 2 option modules	120
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Option modules:
You'll choose two from this list of Stage 3 option modules	120

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 13 January 2023.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
finding external/third party material online
working in a group with other students
working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
using specialist software (for example the Sibelius music writing package)
using and/or producing diagrams and screenshots

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

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 for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 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 of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course we'll award you our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities.

If you choose a specialist route, your degree title will show with:

One specialism – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (History)
Two specialisms – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (French and Classical Studies).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualification to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

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.

BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities

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Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
If you wish to study a collaborative module (CTLU302, CDDR301 or CDDR321) and study full time, it will take you a minimum of:
– 3 years if you fund either of these modules by any means other than a Student Loan
– 4 years if you fully fund this qualification with a Student Loan.
This is because the Student Loans provider will not provide a loan for two Higher Education Institutions in the same Academic Year, as required within Stage 3 of this qualification.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£19,368	£8,382 (30%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£12,912	£5,588 (30%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£6,456	£2,794 (30%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £19,368

Saving with The Open University £8,382 (30%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £12,912

Saving with The Open University £5,588 (30%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £6,456

Saving with The Open University £2,794 (30%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 22/23 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work, or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website, with:

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials throughout the course could be online, face-to-face or a mixture of the two, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms, and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end of module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the high-level critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying a humanities degree. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills; and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

Career relevance

Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and in very different historical circumstances. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with training in clear thinking and communication, make this degree course relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
education
legal work
business, banking and retail
human resources
charities and campaigning.

Other careers

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

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:

teacher (for secondary teaching, you will need at least 180 credits in the subject you plan to teach)
museum curator
civil servant
advertising account manager
journalist
publisher
public relations manager

lawyer
charity campaigner
retail manager
human resources manager
politician
librarian
information archivist
accountant
media researcher

local government and NHS management
further education lecturer
advice worker
arts administration
marketing officer
tourist officer
business manager.

Thinking of studying this course?

Registration will open in March. If you would like to be kept updated, register your interest.

Request your Arts and Humanities prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

Course details

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)

Choosing your route through the degree

Art history

Classical studies

Creative writing

English language

English literature

French

German

History

Music

Philosophy

Religious studies

Spanish

Broad route