Art History and Visual Cultures

Key features of the course

• Explore images and artefacts from a wide range of periods and places.
• Become familiar with different approaches to the study of visual, spatial and material culture.
• Gain skills in visual literacy, criticism and analysis that will make you highly employable.
• Work on your own project, with the support of a tutor, for the final module of the degree.

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Art History and Visual Cultures (W72) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Skills for career development

All Arts study fosters critical thinking, analysis, and communication. This qualification goes further by enabling you to develop a high level of visual literacy and confidence in engaging with major artists and artworks, and other important visual material. You'll be able to analyse works of art from a wide range of cultural and artistic genres. You'll also have excellent communication skills and will be able to use a range of digital resources appropriate for the subject, while the final project will enhance your research skills and your independent management of a substantial piece of academic work. These key skills 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 (Honours) Art History and Visual Cultures relevant to a wide range of careers, including:

• creative and cultural industries
• education
• museums, art galleries and other art institutions
• public administration, local government, the civil service, and social services
• advertising, journalism, publishing, 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. This includes 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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:

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