Open University

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

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 English literature 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 either of these modules:

• Cultures (A112)
• Revolutions (A113

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Specialist modules – you'll choose one from:

• Literature matters (A240)
• Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)

Option module:

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

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Specialist module – you'll choose one from:

• English literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334)
• Literature in transition: from 1800 to the present (A335)

Option module:

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

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Cognitive skills are taught cumulatively and in ways that will vary according to which modules you choose to study. They will include the use of written materials, in-text questions, audio, visual and/or interactive material, carefully monitored feedback on assignments, as well as virtual tutorials and conferencing. The essay is a principal form of assessment, though you may also work on short-answer questions and a range of reflective assignments.

You will be responsible for choosing your pathway through the degree, but support is available: you will have a designated tutor for each module; access to learner support staff who can give you information, advice and guidance on your programme; and you can also refer to a range of online information resources.

The teaching, learning and assessment of your key skills are also specific to the specialisms, and you should check the subject-specific specialism specifications. In many cases, they are indirectly assessed within the programme.

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.