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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities
This diploma of higher education gives you the freedom to combine the study of different subject areas in the arts and humanities. 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 literature, history, music, philosophy and religious studies. You can combine this with other options, including languages, psychology, or the social sciences. As you progress, your cultural literacy and understanding of the past will be developed. You'll sharpen your critical awareness and refine the skills of debate and analysis that are valued by employers.
This arts and humanities diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll begin with a stimulating introduction to the arts and humanities, studying a range of topics from across different periods and civilisations while developing essential study skills. You can build on this with one of our recommended modules. Cultures includes a particular focus on art history, classical studies, creative writing and English literature, whereas Revolutions focuses primarily on history, music, philosophy and religious studies. Alternatively, you can choose from a range of options, including languages and social sciences.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll start your diploma with:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
We recommend you complete Stage 1 with either of these modules:
Cultures (A112)60Oct | Feb
Revolutions (A113)60Oct | Feb
Or choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules.

If you plan to study French, German or Spanish as part of your diploma, you should choose language modules appropriate to your prior level of study.

As you work through the diploma, you’ll continue to develop your critical thinking, writing and analysis skills. You’ll also begin to work and think more independently in relation to a range of problems and questions posed by your course of study. You will take two modules from art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, French, German, history, music, philosophy, religious studies or Spanish.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You’ll choose one from:
Art and life before 1800 (A237)60Oct
Art and visual cultures in the modern world (A236)60Oct
Classical Latin: the language of ancient Rome (A276)60Oct
Creative writing (A215)60Oct
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223)60Oct
English in the world (L201)60Oct
Investigating philosophy (DA223)60Oct
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227)60Oct
Exploring the classical world (A229)60Oct
Literature matters (A240)60Oct
Music, sound and technology (A232)60Oct
Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)60Oct | Feb
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225)60Oct | Feb
Understanding music (A234)60Oct
You’ll also choose:
One from this list of Stage 2 option modules
60See list

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by tutors, high-quality materials, online tutorials, and have opportunities to tailor your study across diverse disciplines within the arts and humanities.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities upon successful completion.
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 diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 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 diploma in two 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 diploma in four 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.
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.

4 years
£3,892*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£15,568*
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 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:
This diploma of higher education will help you practise and refine the skills of argument and analysis, which are valued very highly by employers. As you progress through your studies, you'll build steadily on your skills, developing a greater perception of understanding and analysing information, and constructing more sophisticated arguments in response to assignments. You'll also learn to study independently and develop your information literacy. These are all essential transferable skills which are in great demand in the modern workplace.
The breadth of study and the range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make this diploma of higher education course relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:
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 website are available to see at any time, 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:
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.
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