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History courses

Understanding our past is essential for making sense of the world around us and for planning its future. Whether you’re looking to improve your understanding of the past or enhance your career prospects, our history courses have much to offer you. Choose below from our range of degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

HistoryDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


HistoryDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


HistoryCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study History with The Open University?

Historians at The Open University want to share their passion for history and to inspire you to learn about the past. They are committed to delivering the highest quality teaching and assessment materials that are informed by up-to-date historical research.

Studying history at the OU can offer you:

  • The opportunity to choose from a range of different periods and aspects of history, from medieval to modern times.
  • The flexibility to combine your study of history with politics, other arts and humanities subjects or a language.
  • An opportunity to focus on Scottish history in collaboration with the University of Dundee.

Careers in History

Studying history will provide you with an adaptable set of skills, including critical thinking, analysis, and communication. You’ll also sharpen your ability to assimilate and evaluate information. These skills are all highly sought after in the world beyond study.

Our range of courses in history can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Heritage, museums, culture and arts administration
  • Teaching
  • Media, journalism, advertising, publishing and public relations
  • Librarianship and information archiving

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of History modules

All History courses

Browse all the History courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of History courses