BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities | Open University

England

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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities

This degree lets you combine studying different subject areas in the arts and humanities. You can develop specialisms or build a broad portfolio of interests. The course offers a deep understanding of the world we live in today, drawing on the perspectives of art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies. You'll discover how knowledge is created and shared in the arts and humanities, stretch your imagination and develop your own creative and critical responses. You'll also become an independent learner and member of a diverse and vibrant student community.

This arts and humanities degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Arts and languages Access module.

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.

You’ll begin with a stimulating introduction to the arts and humanities, studying topics from different periods and civilisations while developing essential study skills. You can follow this with Cultures, which focuses on art history, classical studies, creative writing and English literature; Revolutions, focusing primarily on history, music, philosophy and religious studies; or choose from languages and social science modules.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll start your degree with:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
We recommend you complete Stage 1 with either of these modules:
Cultures (A112)	60	Oct \| Feb
Revolutions (A113)	60	Oct \| Feb
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.

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.

Choosing your route through the degree:

Please note: the following combinations of specialist routes are not available as they can be studied in alternative degrees:

English Language and Literature

English Literature and Creative Writing

, and any combination of two from

French, German, Spanish and English language

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)	60	Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules - you'll choose one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)	60	Oct
Art and its critical histories (A336)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60	See list

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

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

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Literature matters (A240)	60	Oct
Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)	60	Oct \| Feb
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules - you'll choose one from:
English literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334)	60	Oct
Literature in transition: from 1800 to the present (A335)	60	Oct \| Feb
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60	See list

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

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)	60	Oct
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)	60	Oct \| Feb
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules - you'll choose one from:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)	60	Oct
The making of Welsh history (A329)	60	Oct
Europe 1914-2014: the remaking of a continent (A337) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct \| Feb
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60	See list

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

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Investigating philosophy (DA223)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Key questions in philosophy (A333)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60	See list

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules	60	See list
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)	60	Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules	60	See list

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

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

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.

This three-year pathway shows how you could combine the study of art history and creative writing to achieve the BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities (Art History and Creative Writing). It’s just one of over 70 subject combinations available through this degree.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
We recommend you study this option module:
Cultures (A112)	60	Oct \| Feb
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.
Stage 2 \| Year 2
Art history modules – you’ll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)	60	Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60	Oct
Creative writing module:
Creative writing (A215)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
Art history modules – you’ll choose one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)	60	Oct
Art and its critical histories (A336)	60	Oct
Creative writing module:
Advanced creative writing (A363)	60	Oct

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

This six-year pathway shows how you could combine the study of art history and creative writing to achieve the BA (Hons) Arts and Humanities (Art History and Creative Writing). It’s just one of over 70 subject combinations available through this degree.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
We recommend you study this option module:
Cultures (A112)	60	Oct \| Feb
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.
Stage 2 \| Year 3
Art history modules – you’ll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)	60	Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
Creative writing module:
Creative writing (A215)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
Art history modules – you’ll choose one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)	60	Oct
Art and its critical histories (A336)	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
Creative writing module:
Advanced creative writing (A363)	60	Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:

You’ll be supported throughout by tutors, high-quality materials, online tutorials and assignment feedback.

You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities upon successful completion.

If you complete a specialist route, your degree title will show that in brackets:

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

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.

Please note: If you wish to study a collaborative module (CTLU302, CDDR301 or CDDR321), it will take you a minimum of three years if you fund one of these modules by any means other than a student loan or four years if you fully fund this qualification with a student loan, as the student loan provider will only provide a loan for one higher education institution in the same academic year.

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:

One of the option modules, Creative music making (CTLU302), includes a residential learning week at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. During the week, you’ll work intensively with Trinity Laban staff and fellow students in workshops, ensembles, and rehearsals, with opportunities to perform and collaborate across genres.

The focus is on developing creative and collaborative skills rather than technical performance. You’ll explore improvisation, composition, and ensemble work, and reflect on your learning through a journal and project work.

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

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 it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Arts and languages Access module.

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.

The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 18th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

6 years

£3,892*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.

£23,352*

This qualification also includes option modules with higher and lower fees than standard, which, if studied, will increase or reduce the total cost.

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 2026. 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

Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Learn more about this and our other funding options below.

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:

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.

Studying 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:

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:

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

Ask a question

Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

Request a prospectus

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.