Postgraduate Certificate in Humanities Open University

If you have a passion for the arts and are looking for an intellectual challenge, this certificate course provides you with an excellent opportunity to upgrade your qualifications. You will deepen your understanding of either art history, classical studies, English literature, history, philosophy, music or creative writing, while developing advanced research and analytical skills that will give you the edge in today’s competitive jobs market and prepare you for further academic study.

Key features of the course

• Extends knowledge and skills acquired at the undergraduate level
• A choice of pathways enables you to focus on a particular subject of interest
• Develops critical thinking skills that are highly prized by employers
• Gives you credit towards a masters degree if you wish to study further.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

Course details

If you plan to study humanities beyond this certificate, we recommend that you read the relevant qualification descriptions from the following options before choosing your module:

MA in Art History (F33), MA in Classical Studies (F27), MA in Creative Writing (F71), MA in English Literature (F88), MA in History (F89), MA in Music (F32) or MA in Philosophy (F30)

To gain this qualification, you'll study one of the following:

Optional modules

• MA Art History part 1 (A843)
• MA Classical Studies part 1 (A863)
• MA Creative Writing part 1 (A802)
• MA English Literature part 1 (A893) NEW
• MA History part 1 (A883) NEW
• MA Music part 1 (A873)
• MA Philosophy part 1 (A853)

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules A840, A850, A860, A870, A873, AA810, AA820, AA830 or 60 credits of specified modules from the MA in Humanities programme including at least one of the discontinued 30-credit modules A810, A820 or A830.