Open University

BA (Honours) in Arts and Humanities (English Language)

Knowledge and understanding

When you complete your studies for this degree, you will be able to:

• draw on your study of different subject areas to understand texts, objects, languages, cultures and histories
• understand and use key terms, concepts and approaches from different subject areas (such as art history, classical studies, creative writing, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy and religious studies)
• recognise how the study of the arts and humanities is relevant to issues of ethical, social and public concern
• understand how knowledge is created, challenged and shared in different subject areas.

Cognitive skills

When you complete your studies for this degree, you will be able to:

• synthesise information from different sources and communicate it clearly
• engage critically with familiar and unfamiliar points of view
• draw appropriate conclusions based on different kinds of evidence and argument
• select and use approaches from different subject areas to create, challenge and share knowledge
• take an evaluative approach to your study and writing.

Practical and/or professional skills

By the end of the degree, you will have developed and demonstrated:

• degree-level skills in reading, note-taking and writing
• the ability to synthesise and communicate information
• the ability to think critically, evaluate arguments and draw appropriate conclusions
• the confidence to work as an independent learner
• an awareness of your transferable skills.

Key skills

When you complete your studies for this degree, you will be able to:

• use the methods of different subject areas to understand texts, objects, languages, cultures and histories
• communicate ideas clearly, appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience
• follow good academic practices, for example by using appropriate referencing
• select and use online tools to further your learning in different subject areas
• draw on graduate-level skills in information literacy, for example, to find and critically evaluate information found online
• study independently and reflectively, planning and evaluating your learning in different subject areas.

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'll specialise in the English language in combination with either a second specialism in arts and humanities or study modules from across the arts and humanities curriculum.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll start your degree with:

• Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)

We recommend you complete Stage 1 with one of these modules:

• Cultures (A112)
• Revolutions (A113)
• Introducing English language studies (L101)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

English language module:

• English in the world (L201)

Option module:

• You'll choose one from this list of Stage 2 option modules

Stage 3 (120 credits)

English language module – you'll choose one from:

• Language and creativity (E302)
• Language, literature and childhood (L301)

Option module:

• You'll choose one from this list of Stage 3 option modules

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the high-level critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying for 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 careers.

Career relevance

The study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and 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.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.