Course details
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by developing your knowledge of cultures throughout history.
- Next, at Stage 2, you’ll focus your study on art history as you explore the shifting themes in art history through various times and places.
In Stage 1 you'll encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. As an art history student, this broad foundation will help you develop the skills and a confident, open approach needed to tackle more specialist art history modules at Stage 2.
Stage 2 has two compulsory modules, one broadly thematic, the other broadly chronological. In the first you'll develop skills of visual literacy through a cutting edge exploration of different ways of viewing art in both past and present. The second module introduces you to artistic change through time and place, from c.1200 to the present day. Again you'll study art in its broadest definition, including not only painting, sculpture and architecture but also, for example, garden design, the taste for Chinese in interior design and contemporary art display at the Venice Biennale.
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 17 March 2021.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Art History and Visual Cultures 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.
- working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts
- working in a group with other students
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- undertaking practical work
- finding external/third party material online
If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our Disability support page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.
For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Diploma of Higher Education in Art History and Visual Cultures.
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.
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.
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. It explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music. 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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Skills for career development
All Arts study fosters critical thinking, analysis, and communication. This qualification goes further by enabling students to develop a high level of visual literacy and confidence in engaging with both material and media objects. You'll be able to analyse works of art from a wide range of cultural and artistic genres. You'll have excellent communication skills. These are key skills that are highly 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 historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the Diploma of Higher Education in Art History and Visual Cultures relevant to a wide range of careers, including:
- creative and cultural industries
- education
- museums, art galleries and other art institutions
- public administration, local government, the civil service, and social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, and public relations
- legal work
- business, banking and retail
- human resources
- charities and campaigning.
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 diploma:
- museum curator
- civil servant
- advertising manager
- journalist
- publisher
- public relations manager
- librarian
- archivist
- media researcher
- marketing manager
- teacher
- arts administration
- heritage management
- charity campaigner
- HR manager