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

The Routledge Companion to Marxisms in Art History
10th June 2025
Book cover with a maroon and grey background and the title at the top. The feature image is in the centre, it is an abstract art work with men...
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.
Can Books Heal? A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation podcast, with OU English academics
9th June 2025
OU English researchers Sara Haslam and Edmund King were heavily featured contributors in this podcast on 3000 years of the history of the healing...