School of Arts & Humanities

The School of Arts & Humanities is central to The Open University, providing sector-leading, high-quality teaching and research. We use texts, music, artwork, objects and ideas to explore the history and culture of societies past and present. Undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and research qualifications are available and our students have very high completion rates.’

- Dr Donna Loftus (Head of School, A&H)

Student pointing at work of art Copyright: OU Prospectus 2021

Study

The Arts and Humanities shine a light on the human condition. We offer courses in Art History, Classical Studies, Creative Writing, English Literature, History and Music, plus qualifications that bring in English Language, Philosophy, Politics and Religious Studies. Click through and learn more.

Neon question mark Copyright: Emily Morter on Unsplash

Research

Our School enjoys an international reputation for its award-winning academic research, supported by our vibrant research groups and centres, and our lively postgraduate research culture. Our researchers are committed to engaging with the wider world, enriching the lives of individuals and communities with their projects.

Colourful hands touching Copyright: © Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Historic England Blog on the Register of Historic Battlefields
13th June 2025
A Historic England Blog post by OU historian David Grummitt celebrates the 30th anniversary of Historic England’s Register of Historic...
The Routledge Companion to Marxisms in Art History
10th June 2025
Three members of the OU’s Department of Art History-Warren Carter, Kim Charnley and Andrew Murray- have authored chapters in a landmark new book,...
Magic Art - A New Enquiry
10th June 2025
Dr Robert J. Wallis, Senior Lecturer in Art History, contributes to the first English translation of André Breton’s L’Art magique.