Arts and Humanities (English Literature) (Honours)

Overview

During the Arts and Humanities (English Literature) (Honours) degree from The Open University UK  you’ll take at least two specialist English literature modules, discovering more about an exciting range of texts produced across many periods and places. You will encounter a range of genres, from poetry to fiction to film, and explore a variety of approaches for reading them. Through engagement with the study materials, contained in the module books and audio-visual resources, you will develop important skills in analysis, evaluation and communication.

Alongside your study of English literature, you can choose to study a second specialism from some of the subjects listed above. This will entitle you to include both subjects in the name of your degree, or complete your degree with modules chosen from a wide range of options.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in English literature within a broad and flexible arts and humanities degree

• Develop a range of skills that will be valuable in the workplace and to further study

• Have the opportunity to write an extended essay drawing on independent study

• Select a second specialism to complement and enhance your study of English literature

Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the high-level critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying a humanities degree. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills; and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly 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 in very different historical circumstances. The breadth of study and range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with training in clear thinking and communication, make this degree course relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

• public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services

• advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations

• education

• legal work

• business, banking and retail

• human resources

• charities and campaigning.