Expand+From poetry to string quartets, and from sculpture to short stories, the extraordinary range of human culture offers rich possibilities for study. This broad and absorbing course develops a deep understanding of the world we live in and how we got he...

Hide-From poetry to string quartets, and from sculpture to short stories, the extraordinary range of human culture offers rich possibilities for study. This broad and absorbing course develops a deep understanding of the world we live in and how we got here, covering a fascinating variety of perspectives, periods and subjects – including art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language and English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy and religious studies.

Key features of the course
•Study a broad range of subjects and specialise in one or two disciplines
•Learn how to approach the arts from an academic perspective, construct an argument and communicate your ideas effectively
•Develop your skills of critical thinking, analysis and self-directed work which are highly valued by employers
•Relevant to a wide range of careers, such as advertising, education, legal work, journalism and many others

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities (W59) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities (T32) corresponds to the first third.

Expand+Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
•You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
•Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you can...

Hide-Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
•You’ll start Stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by up to two modules chosen from a variety of subjects.
•Next, at Stages 2 and 3, you can specialise in one or two subjects or combine modules from across the arts and humanities curriculum.

Access – preparing you for study
If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! You can start with an Access module designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study. Visit Am I ready? for more information about starting with an Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)
In Stage 1 you will encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3.
We recommend that you study Stage 1 over two years as it provides the underpinning knowledge and skills needed for more advanced study at Stages 2 and 3.

Modules
You'll start your degree with:
The arts past and present (AA100) 60

We recommended you complete Stage 1 with this option module:
Voices, texts and material culture (A105) 60

Alternatively, you can choose 60 credits from this list of modules.

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

Stages 2 and 3 (240 credits)
At the start of Stage 2 you can choose to focus on one or two subjects, chosen from art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, French, German, history, music, philosophy, religious studies or Spanish.

If you do not wish to specialise you can continue to study your own combination of modules chosen from the arts and humanities curriculum, although you should bear in mind that most Stage 3 modules require you to take a particular Stage 2 module first.

Choosing your route through the degree
Choose one specialist route (for example, Art history) or combine two specialist routes (for example, Art history and English literature) or continue with a broad-based study of arts and humanities:

One specialist route
•study two modules at Stage 2 – one from your chosen specialism and one selected from a wide choice of options
•study two modules at Stage 3 – one from your chosen specialism and one selected from a wide choice of options

Two specialist routes
•study two specialist modules at Stage 2 – one from your first specialism and one from your second specialism
•study two specialist modules at Stage 3 – one from your first specialism and one from your second specialism

Broad route
•create your own study profile choosing from a variety of modules. It’s a good idea to think ahead to your Stage 3 choices, as we may recommend a particular Stage 2 module first (see module descriptions for further details)

The following second-subject combinations cannot be studied together as they are available as separate degrees: BA (Honours) English Language and Literature (Q39), BA (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing (Q86), or any combination of French, German, Spanish and English language in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

Art history
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)

Specialist module:
Exploring art and visual culture (A226) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Art and its global histories (A344) 60
Renaissance art reconsidered (AA315) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Classical studies
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Classical Latin: the language of ancient Rome (A276) 60
Exploring the classical world (A219) 60
Reading classical Greek: language and literature (A275) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Myth in the Greek and Roman worlds (A330) 60
The Roman empire (A340) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Creative writing
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Creative writing (A215) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Advanced creative writing (A363) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

English language
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Worlds of English (U214) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Exploring English grammar (E304) 60
Language and creativity (E302) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

English literature
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)

Specialist module:
Reading and studying literature (A230) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:

Children's literature (EA300) 60
English literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334) 60
Literature in transition: from 1800 to the present (A335) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

French
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Envol: upper intermediate French (L211) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Mises au point: advanced French (L310) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

German
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Motive: upper intermediate German (L203) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Variationen: advanced German (L313) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

History
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Early modern Europe: society and culture c.1500-1780 (A223) 60
The British Isles and the modern world, 1789–1914 (A225) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:
Empire: 1492-1975 (A326) 60
Europe 1914-1989: war, peace, modernity (A327) 60
The making of Welsh history (A329) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Music
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Inside music (A224) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module – you'll choose one from:
Central questions in the study of music (A342) 60
The practice of music making (CTLU301)* 60
*This module is produced in collaboration with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (go to our Collaborative scheme website for details).

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Philosophy
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Exploring philosophy (A222) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Key questions in philosophy (A333) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Religious studies
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)

Specialist module:
Exploring religion: places, practices, texts and experiences (A227) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:

Why is religion controversial? (A332) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Spanish
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish (L204) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Specialist module:
A buen puerto: advanced Spanish (L314) 60

Option module:
You'll choose one from this list of modules 60

Broad route
Modules
Stage 2 (120 credits)

Option modules:
You'll choose two from this list of modules 120

Stage 3 (120 credits)
Option modules:
You'll choose two from this list of modules 120

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Expand+Skills for career development
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 ab...

Hide-Skills for career development
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.

Career relevance
Study of 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:
•public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
•advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
•education
•legal work
•business, banking and retail
•human resources
•charities and campaigning.

Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.