Studying the Arts with The Open University

Faculty of Arts

Studying the Arts

How courses can count towards qualifications

To make the most of your studies, you need to understand how the different courses you may choose will contribute to a qualification.

Qualifications

The Open University offers Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees at undergraduate level and Certificates, Diplomas and Masters degrees and Doctorates for postgraduate study.

Points and Credits

Students achieve a qualification by gaining sufficient relevant points or credits. A Degree requires 300/360 points and a Diploma requires 120/130 points. Certificates are usually addressed by a single course and are awarded on successful completion.

Courses and Levels

Points are awarded for the successful completion of each individual course studied. Arts short courses are awarded 10 points and typically involve around 12 weeks’ study. Most other courses run for 8 months and attract either 30 or 60 points. The number of points depends on the the amount of work you are expected to carry out, not on the length of time you take to complete the course.

Level 1

The ideal place to begin Arts studies. Courses equip you with essential skills and offer a high level of support.

Level 2

These courses are equivalent to those taken during the second and third years of traditional university study. More specialised study is required, much of which you undertake independently.

Level 2 courses can be a suitable starting point if you already have a degree and want to update your knowledge.

Level 3

Study equivalent to the final year of an Honours degree at a traditional university. These courses are also suitable if you already have a degree and want to update your knowledge.

The number and type of courses you take may be determined by the qualification you wish to achieve as well as by your personal interests. Please see the online prospectus for full details.
More

Choosing your first Arts course
How courses can count towards qualifications
What do we mean by the Arts and Humanities?
Why study the Arts?
What qualifications can I achieve?
What is Arts study like?
Next steps
What Arts students say