Arts and Humanities
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The arts and humanities encompass a range of subjects that are all concerned with cultural expression and how it has come to take the forms that exist today. Taking one of our arts degrees or studying a course in the arts and humanities gives you the opportunity to explore human culture and its history, from the ancient civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome through the Renaissance, to the art, history, literature, music and religions of the twenty-first century.
In the process you’ll gain insight into the modern world we live in and how we got to where we are. And you’ll pick up skills in information management and analysis, communication and presentation, and the valuable ability to think both creatively and critically.
Where to start in Arts and Humanities
If you're fairly confident about studying, then start with Level 1 courses. You'll learn how to study at university level, get a thorough grounding in your chosen area of study and, in addition, you'll become a confident distance learner.
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
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English Language and Literature
You’ll learn about the English language and how it’s used around the world, and will study a wide range of literary texts. You can also include creative writing. -
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the machinations of the Roman Empire, twentieth-century dictators, history of medicine, and film and television as historical documents.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. -
Literature
You will study a variety of texts from Shakespeare’s plays to contemporary writing, informed by current critical debates. You can also include creative writing in your degree. -
Modern Language Studies
Combine the study of one or two foreign languages (French, German, Spanish) with the study of English language and linguistics. -
Philosophy and Psychological Studies
Explore concepts, theories, methods and debates in philosophy and psychology, relevant to a broad range of careers, including advertising and marketing, social services, administration and management. -
Politics, Philosophy and Economics
An internationally recognised combination of subjects, providing you with skills and understanding particularly relevant to many areas of public service, including civil and diplomatic services and local government. -
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.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Arts and Humanities
See the list of all our individual courses in Arts and Humanities.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Arts and Humanities.
Spotlight on Arts and Humanities
World-wide recognition
In 2006 the Open University was ranked as one of the top 100 institutions in the world for arts and humanities.
Specialise or generalise
You can take named degrees in English and History, or by taking BA Humanities you can study a range of arts subjects.
Prepare for life and work
Studying arts and humanities gives you the analytical and critical skills you need for a wide range of occupations, for professional situations and for modern life in general.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
