Modules
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 develop an in-depth knowledge of history across a range of different time periods.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 60 credits from the following:
Or 60 credits from the discontinued modules AA100, A102, A103, A105, AZX103, A150 + A151
Optional module(s) – 60 credits from the following:
A maximum of 60 credits from free choice at OU level 1, 2, 3 or postgraduate, including not more than 30 credits from Openings modules or short courses.
Visit our search page to find out more information about each of the modules you could study.
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Compulsory module – 60 credits from one of the following:
OR 60 credits from the discontinued modules A200, A220, A221.
Optional modules – 60 credits from one of the following:
OR 60 credits from the discontinued modules A200, A205, A206, A207, A209, A218, A219, A220, A221, A251, AD281, AS208, AS283.
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Optional modules – 60 credits from one of the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)
This module introduces you to world history from 1453 to the early twenty-first century. It does this by looking at British and rival empires, including those of Europe, China, the Mughals and the Ottomans.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Europe 1914–1989: war, peace and modernity (A327)
This module examines Europe’s economic, social, medical and cultural history, as well as political and military developments from the First World War to the Cold War.
See full description
|
60 |
Sep 2024 |
- The making of Welsh history (A329)
This online dissertation module uses Welsh history to explore big themes, from the Norman Conquest and the rise of Protestantism to the industrial revolution and nationalism.
See full description OR
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
OR 60 credits from the discontinued modules A318, AA312, AA319, A326.
Optional modules – 60 credits from one of the following:
Title |
Credits |
Next start |
- Empires: power, resistance, legacies (A328)
This module introduces you to world history from 1453 to the early twenty-first century. It does this by looking at British and rival empires, including those of Europe, China, the Mughals and the Ottomans.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Europe 1914–1989: war, peace, modernity (A327)
This module examines Europe’s economic, social, medical and cultural history, as well as political and military developments from the First World War to the Cold War.
See full description
|
60 |
Sep 2024 |
- The making of Welsh history (A329)
This online dissertation module uses Welsh history to explore big themes, from the Norman Conquest and the rise of Protestantism to the industrial revolution and nationalism.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
- Why is religion controversial? (A332)
This module focuses on the connections between religion and various controversial issues such as politics, tradition, atheism, multiculturalism and capitalism using historical, sociological and ethnographic sources.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 FINAL |
- The Roman Empire (A340)
Drawing on archaeological evidence and written sources (ancient texts and inscriptions), this module explores the culture of the Roman empire and aspects of its history.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
Medieval and early modern Scotland (CDDR321)* |
60 |
|
Modern Scottish history 1707 to present ( |
60 |
|
OR 60 credits from the discontinued modules A318, A326, A330, A354, A420, A422, A424, A425, A426, A427, A428, A433, AA303, AA307, AA309, AA310, AA311, AA312, AA313, AA315, AA319, AT308, CDDR300, CDDR310, CDDR311, CDDR320, COXR305, DD301, DD306.
*These modules are produced in collaboration with other institutions. Visit the Collaborative schemes website for further information.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) History uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- finding external/third party material online
- working in a group with other students
- working with specialist reading material such as works of art and musical manuscripts.
All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.
If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
Credit transfer
If you have already had an award of credit transfer for university level study, you may still be able to count it towards another Open University qualification – to allow you to continue your studies and achieve your goal.
Your credit will need to be reassessed and you may need to resubmit evidence of your previous study. If you want to transfer additional credit that hasn’t already been assessed, we will need to see original evidence of this additional study.
To discuss your study choice and for more details of how to reapply for credit transfer, please contact your SST.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) History degree.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by your performance in a minimum of 120 and up to 240 credits from your best grades on specified OU (or specified collaborative scheme) history modules and interdisciplinary humanities modules at OU level 2 or higher. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at OU level 3 and your best 120 credits at OU level 3 will be given twice the weight of other modules used in the calculation of your classification.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony
Skills for career development
Studying history will provide you with an adaptable set of skills that can lead in many directions and are greatly valued by employers. Broadly summarised these are critical thinking, analysis, and communication. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, and develop an ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information when constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, and are highly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.
Career relevance
Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and historical contexts. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with clear thinking and communication, make the BA (Hons) History relevant to a wide range of careers, including:
- education
- museum work
- public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
- 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.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- teacher
- museum curator
- heritage management
- tourism officer
- arts administration
- civil servant
- local government and NHS management
- advertising account manager
- marketing manager
- journalist
- publisher
- public relations manager
- media researcher
- lawyer
- charity campaigner
- retail manager
- business and human resources management
- politician
- librarian
- information archivist
- accountant.