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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) History
How does the past shape our future? In our expansive history degree, you’ll explore some of the most exciting and turbulent periods, crossing continents as you journey from medieval to modern times. Discover the events and issues that have transformed life as we know it, from power and warfare to imperialism, race, gender and class. You’ll learn to research, interpret and critically analyse like a historian, developing key skills you can use to make sense of the world and take forward into a range of exciting careers.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in History (W66) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This history 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 some fascinating people, artworks, ideas and stories. As a history student, this broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist history modules at Stages 2 and 3.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Revolutions (A113)60Oct | Feb

You’ll explore the society and culture of Europe between 1500 and 1789, a time when society was transforming rapidly while remaining rooted in medieval times. You'll also learn about the British Isles from 1789 to 1914, when the United Kingdom experienced rapid industrial and imperial expansion, political conflict, poverty, and uncertainty.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)60Oct
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb

At Stage 3, we offer modules on empires and opposition to them from the fifteenth century to recent times, as well as on conflict and change in twentieth-century Europe. Alternatively, you can do an independent research project on an aspect of Welsh history of your choice. You can also study one module in art history, classical studies, religious studies or Scottish history.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose one from the following:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct
The making of Welsh history (A329)60Oct
Europe 1914–2014: the remaking of a continent (A337)60Oct | Feb
You'll also choose one from the list above or one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
The Roman empire (A340)60Oct
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)60Oct
Modern Scottish history 1707 to present (CDDR301)*
60Sept
Medieval and early modern Scotland (CDDR321)*
60Sept
*These modules are produced in collaboration with other universities (see our Collaborative scheme website for details).

You can complete this degree in 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. You can either study two 60-credit modules at the same time or start one in October and the other in February.
Don’t worry if your circumstances change; you don’t have to stick to full-time study. 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
Revolutions (A113)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)60Oct
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll choose one from the following:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct
The making of Welsh history (A329)60Oct
Europe 1914–2014: the remaking of a continent (A337)60Oct | Feb
You’ll also choose one from the list above or one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
The Roman empire (A340)60Oct
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)60Oct
Modern Scottish history 1707 to present (CDDR301)*
60Sept
Medieval and early modern Scotland (CDDR321)*
60Sept
*These modules are produced in collaboration with other universities (see our Collaborative scheme website for details).

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:
Revolutions (A113)60Oct | Feb
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll study the following:
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll choose one from:
Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)60Oct
The making of Welsh history (A329)60Oct
Europe 1914–2014: the remaking of a continent (A337)60Oct | Feb
Stage 3 | Year 6
You'll also choose one from the list above or one from:
Art and its global histories (A344)60Oct
The Roman empire (A340)60Oct
Religion and global challenges in the past and present (DA332)60Oct
Modern Scottish history 1707 to present (CDDR301)*
60Sept
Medieval and early modern Scotland (CDDR321)*
60Sept
*These modules are produced in collaboration with other universities (see our Collaborative scheme website for details).
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By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors, quality learning resources, and collaborative study opportunities.
You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) History 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.
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 at a pace equivalent to full-time, it will take you a minimum of:
This is because the Student Loans provider will not provide a loan for two Higher Education Institutions in the same Academic Year.
You have a maximum of 16 years to complete it.
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*
This qualification also includes option modules with lower fees than standard, which, if studied, will 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 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:
Studying history will provide you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and are greatly valued by employers. Broadly summarised, these are skills in research, critical thinking, analysis, and communication. In research, you’ll develop abilities in finding and assimilating relevant information; you’ll then analyse that information critically as you seek to answer historical questions; and finally you’ll communicate your findings to diverse audiences and in diverse forms, using written work, IT and other approaches. These are key skills in many fields and 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 (Hons) History 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
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
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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