Arts and Humanities
Exploring and analysing human culture and history gives us a deeper insight into the world we live in and how we got here. If you thrive on an intellectual challenge and have a passion for the arts, then studying our postgraduate arts and humanities courses has much to offer you. The possible rewards include an MA qualification, advanced academic achievement, enhanced career opportunities and personal fulfilment.
By taking a course in arts and humanities, you could obtain an MA qualification with us then, as many other OU postgraduates have done, you could go on to complete MPhil and/or PhD degrees, or to publish books and articles resulting from your dissertation research and studies. Others have used their newly acquired skills to further a career in the arts, teaching, journalism or business. Most, however, have simply welcomed the personal satisfaction of achieving a worthwhile qualification in an area of long-standing interest.
Where to start in Arts and Humanities
If you’re planning to join our MA programme you need an honours degree, ideally but not necessarily in a subject related to the area that you are interested in studying. Your first year on the programme will update you on the latest ideas and approaches in your chosen area, but it doesn’t offer any remedial undergraduate training to bring your study skills up to postgraduate level.
In your first year you must take a 60-point foundation course. This introduces you to studying your chosen subject at postgraduate level, and to essential concepts and research methods. Once you have successfully completed your foundation course you can go on to take a 60-point course. Your final 60 points come from a 16,000–18,000 word dissertation.
Taught Masters
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Art History
If you love art history, this MA will develop your research and analytical skills while exploring the latest contemporary themes and issues, with a dissertation of your choice. -
Classical Studies
If you have a passion for classical studies, this MA will bring you up to date with the latest developments – including a fascinating exploration of Greek theatre and a dissertation of your choice. -
English
If you have a passion for literature and enjoy an intellectual challenge, this MA will develop your research and analytical skills. -
History
The MA in history will provide you with theoretical and practical training in major themes in local and regional history, research methods, project planning and writing a dissertation. -
Humanities
If you’re passionate about the arts, this MA offers a chance to delve more deeply into art history, classical studies, history, literature, music or philosophy. -
Music
If you’re passionate about music, this MA will develop your research and analytical skills while exploring the latest contemporary thinking and debates about performance and repertoire. -
Philosophy
This MA will develop your research and analytical skills while exploring the latest debates and issues in social and political philosophy, with a dissertation of your choice. -
Religious Studies
This MA discusses theoretical and methodological issues, utilises case studies of religions in modern Britain and elsewhere, and provides you with appropriate research training.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Arts and Humanities
See the list of all our individual courses in Arts and Humanities.
Postgraduate research degrees
For information about postgraduate research degrees, visit the Research Degree pages.
Undergraduate options
See the list of undergraduate courses and qualifications in Arts and Humanities.
Spotlight on Arts and Humanities
Get into good company
With 1800 students currently on our flexible programme – covering the arts from ancient to contemporary culture – our MA programmes stretch your abilities and refine your research and analytical skills, providing you with excellent credentials for the world of employment and for further HE qualifications.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
