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. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music.
The module is divided into three blocks.
Block 1, which you will study in print, begins by exploring how language is used to communicate. You will be introduced to language in various spoken and written forms – for example, as a tool for learning or as cultural expression. You’ll then examine the theme of popular protest with an initial discussion of a First World War poem, Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen. Next, you will study a diverse range of protest and performance poetry.
Block 2, where you will move to online study, extends your study of language to consider popular culture and the language of protest. You’ll also start to think about the persuasive uses of language – seen in politics and the media, for instance – and consider what impact dialect and pronunciation have on how meaning is produced, drawing on examples from hip-hop and song. You will then move on to focus on history, in particular, looking at the history of the demand for democracy (government by the people) in Britain from around 1815 through an examination of the Chartist movement. You will be introduced to a small number of the many debates surrounding the interpretation of Chartism and the relevance of the subject today. You'll also look at the history of the Suffragette movement.
Block 3, which continues online, considers the relationship between art and popular protest. You’ll be introduced to the study of the visual arts by looking at a selection of works that have been nominated for the Turner Prize, which will allow you to look at many different types of art and explore the techniques used by art historians and art critics when they analyse a work of art. You’ll then explore four case studies: graffiti as a form of art, a painting by Picasso, a display at St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow, and the symbolism and language used in football banners. These case studies will give you the opportunity to build on what you have learned so far and explore the relationship between popular protest and visual art from a wider range of academic disciplines, such as history, religious studies, and linguistics.
During the module, you will encounter three Student Choice weeks. These weeks give you an opportunity to think about your future study or career options, hone some of your study skills or find out about the OU student community. You could also choose to spend the week learning about a subject that interests you on OpenLearn, or you could simply use the time to catch up or have a well-earned break.
The module includes multimedia material and a website with further study materials and resources, as well as online quizzes and interactive exercises to help test your understanding.
As you study this module, you will build your confidence and develop your study skills, including:
You will also have the opportunity to gain skills such as working with audio and video material, using online forums and searching the internet for information. This experience will provide you with a gentle introduction to using a computer to support your study, and will equip you with the basic computing skills you will need for the next step in your studies.
Towards the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to participate in activities that will help you make decisions about your future study plans.
You will have a tutor who will keep in touch by a combination of phone and email. There are no face-to-face tutorials; all tutorials are conducted between you and your tutor, and these conversations provide lots of opportunities for your tutor to get to know you and make sure their support is personalised to meet your needs. You may have an opportunity to experience a group tutorial and use online rooms later in the module. Your tutor will help you to plan your work and to think about the ideas explored in the module. Your tutor will also comment on and help you with your written work. At the end of the module you will discuss your progress with your tutor, and you will work together to review your learning.
Course work includes:
You do not have to sit an examination for this module.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also be provided with a printed module book, a study planner and assessment guide.
Digital copies (PDFs and web versions) of most study materials, and transcripts of the video and audio materials can be found on the website.
You will require access to a phone, and use of a computer with internet access.
Arts and languages Access module starts twice a year – in October and February.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
No special knowledge or previous experience is required.
You can study an Access module on a standalone basis, or to prepare for your OU qualification. We know that students who start with an Access module are more likely to succeed with their next modules. Choosing to study Access as an extra module at the start of your learning journey with us is well worth the investment of your time.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, or would like help registering, you can speak to an adviser by calling 0300 303 0069 or you can book a call back.
The study materials have been prepared with the needs of new learners in mind, so it’s great if you’re a beginner or returning to study. You’ll use your general knowledge and interests to gradually build up to university-level study. This module will develop key study skills such as time management, note-taking, reading for study purposes and reflection on your own learning.
This module is only available if you live in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Ireland or have a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying Y031 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| No current presentation |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a computer and internet access.
Can I study an Access module for free?
Yes! Depending on eligibility and place availability, you could apply to study your Access module for free.
To qualify, you must:
How to apply to study an Access module for free
Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.
If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers at 0300 303 0069 or request a callback.
Not eligible to study for free?
Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:
Can I study an Access module for free?
Yes! Depending on eligibility and place availability, you could apply to study your Access module for free.
To qualify, you must:
How to apply to study an Access module for free
Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.
If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers at 0300 303 0069 or request a callback.
Not eligible to study for free?
Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:
Can I study an Access module for free?
Yes! Depending on eligibility and place availability, you could apply to study your Access module for free.
To qualify, you must:
How to apply to study an Access module for free
Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.
If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers at 0300 303 0069 or request a callback.
Not eligible to study for free?
Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:
Can I study an Access module for free?
Yes! Depending on eligibility and place availability, you could apply to study your Access module for free.
To qualify, you must:
How to apply to study an Access module for free
Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.
If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers at 0300 303 0069 or request a callback.
Not eligible to study for free?
Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
