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AKG / WW2 -air-raid Berlin / History / Open University

Studying the past helps us to understand how the society we live in came to be, and to appreciate differences between cultures and between individuals. You’ll learn what history is, why it is important and how we study it. You can study specialist history courses and interdisciplinary ones, where art, literature, music, philosophy and science are seen in their historical context.

Your studies can also be the basis of a rewarding career. History graduates enter almost every type of organisation – industry and commerce, retail, finance and law – and a high proportion of them rise to the top of their profession.

Where to start in History

Our Level 1 courses all prepare you for studying and writing about history in more specialised courses at Levels 2 and 3. If you're ready to embark on degree studies but are uncertain about where your interests lie choose The arts past and present (AA100).

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

  • History
    Explore a diversity of people, places and periods, including the machinations of the Roman Empire, twentieth-century dictators, history of medicine, and film and television as historical documents.
  • Humanities
    This degree allows you to combine courses on different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today.
  • Humanities with History
    This degree allows you to combine courses on history and different aspects of the arts – what people thought, made and practised – and their meaning and values in the past and today.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Courses in History

See the list of all our individual courses in History.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Arts and Humanities.

Spotlight on History

Missed out on history at school?

Now's your opportunity to engage with the past in courses designed for adults, looking at the ‘big questions' of European and Atlantic society since the Middle Ages.

What’s the fuss about Europe?

Why is there so much debate about the extent of the powers of the European Union? By studying history you’ll learn about why European nations value the ‘nation state’ and why there are competing pressures for a grand European alliance.

How do religion and politics fit together?

Learn how societies have, for centuries, dealt with the demands of faith communities and the economic and politics of the state.

 

Got a question?

Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90

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