England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities
This degree gives you the freedom to study different subject areas in the arts and humanities while developing a specialism in German, exploring aspects of the language and its cultures around the world. You can combine this with a second specialism or choose to develop broader interests in art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, history, other modern languages, music, philosophy and religious studies. You'll also discover how knowledge is created and shared in the arts and humanities, stretch your imagination and develop your own creative and critical responses whilst being part of a vibrant student community.
This arts and humanities 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. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll start your degree with:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
We recommend you complete Stage 1 with 60 credits from these modules:
Cultures (A112)60Oct | Feb
Revolutions (A113)60Oct | Feb
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Alternatively, you can choose 60 credits from this list of Stage 1 option modules.
60See list

In Stage 2, you’ll expand your ability to use the German language and deepen your cultural knowledge of Germany and other German-speaking countries. You’ll complete the stage with a second module from a wide range of arts and humanities modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
German module:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules
60See list

In Stage 3, you’ll continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of the society and culture of contemporary Germany and German-speaking countries and extend your practical skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll complete your degree with a second module from a wide range of arts and humanities modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
German module:
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules
60See list

If you start at intermediate-level German, 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.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
You'll choose a second 30-credit module from this list of Stage 1 option modules.
30See list
Stage 2 | Year 2
German module:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules
60See list
Stage 3 | Year 3
German module:
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules
60See list

If you start at beginners-level German, the earliest you’ll be able to complete this degree is four years, as you won’t be able to study both the beginners' and intermediate modules at the same time.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
German module:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules
60See list
Stage 3 | Year 4
German module:
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)60Oct
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules
60See list

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's 60-credits of study each year.
If you need to start with beginners’ German, as shown in the example pathway below, you’ll study 90 credits in your first year and 30 credits in your second year, as you won’t be able to study both the beginners' and intermediate modules at the same time.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)60Oct | Feb
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
German module:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules
60See list
Stage 3 | Year 5
German module:
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules
60See list

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 (German) 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.
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.
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 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
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 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:
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:
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
content