ou introduction to creative writing

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The Purpose of this Guide

This is a guide to resources available to the OU community and beyond for those who write fiction, poetry, personal narrative, and other forms categorized as Creative Writing. It points to interviews with writers, blogs and books on the creative process, organizations for writers, and helps you browse the shelves of OU's collection.

The guide was created and is maintained by Liorah Golomb , Humanities Librarian at the University of Oklahoma. I welcome your suggestions and comments! Happy writing!

  Pieter Claesz - Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill (1628).  Image from  ARTstor  database.

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Creative Media Production

What is Creative Media Production?

Creative Media Production (CMP) students learn to be professional storytellers using digital media through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. At one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the nation, OU CMP students can focus their study with one or more of seven tracks: Audio Production, Corporate and Commercial Production, Documentary, Electronic Filmmaking, Video Production, Writing, or Interactive Multimedia. Students produce their work in one of Gaylord's four studios, 14 editing suites, nearly 150 editing stations, two control rooms, two radio stations, or the multi-track audio station. Students are equipped to go on location with more than two-dozen cameras to create their own work. Screenings of student films are held in the new 185-seat Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation auditorium.

CMP students have the opportunity to work for the student-produced television station, TV4OU, producing shows such as the OU Nightly newscast, sports and magazine shows and major music productions. In addition, students work on major independent projects such as films, documentaries with Gaylord Hall Productions and commercial productions or on special projects like ESPNU's Campus Connection.

Students wishing to work in radio can get hands on experience at two on-campus stations, The Wire and KGOU. Students may also work with the athletic department's high-definition production unit, SoonerVision. 

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Do my interests fit?

CMP students typically have interests in:

• Film, radio or television
• Creative expression
• Media and digital design
• Collaboration
• Fast-paced environment

High school preparation could include journalism, broadcast production, event planning, digital design or yearbook. 

How can OU CMP help me?

Gaylord College has built an incredible alumni network that exists to help yOU! With graduates in CMP all over the world, alumni look forward to meeting with, donating and awarding internships to Gaylord students. Advisors and faculty encourage and help supplement traditional classroom experience with on-the-job training. With opportunities like career fairs, networking events, premier student organizations, faculty guided trips and tours and study abroad opportunities, there’s no limit to the possibilities with a CMP degree.

Graduates from CMP have worked around the globe, covering wars in the Middle East, serving the president in media relations and working for some of the biggest names in television. Among Gaylord College's outstanding alumni are Paul Gadd, producer for "24" on the Fox Network; Spencer Tillman, Sports Broadcaster, CBS Sports; and James Dolan, president and CEO for Dolan Media.

How can I get involved?

Here are some organizations CMP students can join at OU:

• Gaylord Ambassadors
• Magazine Interest Group
• SoonerVision HD
• Society of Professional Journalists
• Public Relations Student Society of America
• Kappa Tau Alpha Society
• Routes Magazine
• Sooner Sports Pad
• Native American Journalists Association
• Lindsey + Asp Agency
• Professional Writing Student Association
• Oklahoma College Broadcasters
• Student Film Production Club
• Creative Incubator
• Gaylord Hall Productions
• The Oklahoma Daily
• Student Media/Yearbook
• National Association of Black Journalists
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists
• Greenlight Creative Productions

What courses will I take?

CMP courses include:

• Introduction to Mass Communication
• Writing for Mass Media
• Introduction to Public Relations
• Electronic Media Writing
• Introduction to Video Production
• Survey of Electronic Media
• Electronic Field Production
• Issues & Ethics in Electronic Media - Capstone
• Gaylord Electives
• Minor Classes
• CMP Tracks - CMP students have the opportunity to select one of the following tracks (9-10 hours) to complete their degree.

                o Audio Production                 o Corporate Commercial Media and Design                 o Documentary Production                 o Electronic Film Making                 o Interactive Multimedia Graphics                 o Video Production                 o Writing                 o Planned Studies

Wait, I can have a minor?

Gaylord students have the opportunity to minor in a non-Gaylord program as part of their program degree sheet. Typically, CMP students minor in:

• A foreign language ( Spanish (pdf) , French (pdf) , etc.)
• Film & Media Studies (pdf)
• Nonprofit Organizational Studies (pdf)
• Political Science (pdf)
• General Business (pdf)
• Enterprise Studies (pdf)
• Communication (pdf)
• Entrepreneurship (pdf)

Full list of available minors.

How can I study abroad?

CMP students have the chance to study abroad with:

• British Media Study Abroad in the United Kingdom
• Communicating Culture: Travel writing in Puerto Rico
• International Advertising in either Europe or Asia
• Summer Program in Communication at Erfurt (SPICE) in Germany
• Summer in Washington, D.C. 
• JMC: Professional Media Program at OU in Arezzo, Italy
• Students also have the opportunity for club trips in Austin, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco

What kind of career could I pursue?

• Videographer
• Continuity writer
• Film producer
• Multi-media producer
• Broadcast journalist

How much will I make?

Visit the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website  to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Program Accreditation

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a founding member of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The college has had continuous accreditation since 1948. A creative media production student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree. A Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Media Arts are also available.

Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Josh Kahoe – CMP Academic Advisor Phone:  (405) 325-5199 Email:   [email protected] Website:   gaylord.ou.edu

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An Introduction to Creative Writing

Undergraduate | MAQ-ENGX1021 | 2024

Previously MAQ-ENGX121

Play with narrative and time as you develop adventurous creative writing pieces. Reflect on your creative process and the approaches adopted by other writers. Experiment with creative writing styles. Place value on the drafting and revision processes.

Upfront cost

HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available Learn more about financial options

About this subject

What you'll learn.

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Achieve creative writing and reading skills in relation to concepts, topics, craft, technique and voice
• Evaluate creative writing processes
• Identify, engage with and apply concepts of narrative form and poetry
• Analyse and discuss the work of others in group discussions

Topics covered

• A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.

Description

Creative writing involves expression and skills. It also involves reading. This practical unit introduces students to different approaches and ways of thinking about creative writing. Students engage in a series of lectures and workshops, learning a range of creative writing skills and topics. Students are encouraged to be experimental and adventurous in their writing. Seminars address different creative writing topics and readings so that students can learn about various genres, methods and approaches. The workshops are interactive; they aim to increase understanding of the process of creative writing. The aim of this unit is for students to learn, achieve and realise their creativity and writing skills in their creative work, engaging with lecture and reading content and participating in writing workshops, on-course writing exercises, and doing set assignments.

Assessments

• Online discussions and participation (25%)
• Creative Work (Minor) (25%)
• Creative Work and a Reflective Essay (50%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).

About Macquarie University

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University .

Explore Macquarie courses .

Entry requirements

Equivalent subjects.

You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

MAQ-ENGX201 (Not currently available)

MAQ-ENG210 (Not currently available)

MAQ-ENGX121 (Not currently available)

NCCW (pre-2020 units): ENG210, ENGX201, ENGL121, ENGL201, ENGL218, ENGX121

Additional requirements

• Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.

Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.

What to study next?

Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses

Undergraduate | MAQ-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Arts

Single subject FAQs

What’s a single subject.

Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects , including postgraduate single subjects , without having to commit to a degree.

Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.

How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?

First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.

If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.

Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.

Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page .

Can anyone help me choose a subject?

Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:

- Booking a free one-on-one consultation

- Calling, messaging or chatting with us today

How do I pay for my subjects?

You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.

For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor .

How do I enrol?

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.

You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions .

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Introduction to Creative Writing

Course description.

Introduces the craft and practice of creative writing. Engages with both contemporary and classic authors within the primary genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. May also include exploration of other genres such as drama, screenwriting, digital storytelling, film, and performance genres. Develops use of craft elements discussed in class to compose original work in at least two genres. Covers revision practices for voice and purpose. Audit Available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• Identify the basic craft elements of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing. 
• Read critically to analyze poetry, fiction, essays, and other written works. 
• Write original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction works. 
• Participate in workshop method of critiquing creative writing. 
• Revise works within the creative writing process.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios. 

Department suggestions: Original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction works, peer workshop, written analysis of creative texts.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: identify the basic crat elements of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing..

• point of view
• symbolism/allegory
• figurative language
• rhyme scheme
• speaker vs poet
• basic poetic forms (i.e. sonnet, haiky, villanelle, sestia, acrostic, ballad, ode, free verse, limerick, etc.)

Outcome #2: Read critically to analyze poetry, fiction, and essays.

• identiry genre
• identify main idea/point/purpose
• describe structure
• impacts of author choices
• annotating a text
• making claims
• summary vs analysis
• in class workshop
• instruction in constructive feedback (both written and verbal)
• crafting question as feedback

Outcome #3: Write original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction work.

• Brainstorming
• writing journal 
• acrostic prompts
• hermit crab/mimic forms
• written description of images
• timed freewriting
• at least one fiction draft
• 2-5 poem drafts
• at least one creative nonfiction draft

Outcome #4: Participate in workshop method of critiquing creative writing.

• set community standards for in class workshop
• written drafts submitted in advance
• instruction on constructive and polite feeback
• guided workshop process
• both verbal and written feedback among peers

Outcome #5: Revise works within the creative writing process.

• reverse outlines
• cut & amp; rearrange
• scan and highlight
• revision checklists
• diction/word choice
• consistent point of view
• shifts in verb tense
• sentence/line variety
• paragraph breakdown
• integrate insights from workshop process in revision work
• integrate insights from readings in revision work
• write self-assessment of revision process

Suggested Texts and Materials

• OER Text:  Write or Left: An OER Textbook for Creative Writing Classes. Compiled and written by Sybil Priebe, an Associate Professor at the North Dakota State College of Science.
• OER Text:  the anti-textbook of writing (remixed). By Sybil Priebe and students.
• OER Text:  Introduction to Creative Writing. Linda Frances Lein, Alexandria Technical and Community College – Distance Minnesota
• OER Text:  Creative Writing, Creative Process. Matthew Cheney, Plymouth State University

Chapter 1 Introduction to Creative Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC)

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Creativity
• 1.3.1 The forms of creative writing
• 1.3.2 Poetry
• 1.3.3 Fiction
• 1.3.4 Creative nonfiction
• 1.3.5 Creative writing around the world
• 1.4 Creative Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC), applied literariness, and meaningful literacy
• 1.5 The design of this book

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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By Kate Knibbs

How One Author Pushed the Limits of AI Copyright

Last October, I received an email with a hell of an opening line: “I fired a nuke at the US Copyright Office this morning.”

The message was from Elisa Shupe, a 60-year-old retired US Army veteran who had just filed a copyright registration for a novel she’d recently self-published. She’d used OpenAI's ChatGPT extensively while writing the book. Her application was an attempt to compel the US Copyright Office to overturn its policy on work made with AI, which generally requires would-be copyright holders to exclude machine-generated elements.

That initial shot didn’t detonate—a week later, the USCO rejected Shupe’s application—but she ultimately won out. The agency changed course earlier this month after Shupe appealed, granting her copyright registration for AI Machinations: Tangled Webs and Typed Words, a work of autofiction self-published on Amazon under the pen name Ellen Rae.

The novel draws from Shupe’s eventful life , including her advocacy for more inclusive gender recognition. Its registration provides a glimpse of how the USCO is grappling with artificial intelligence , especially as more people incorporate AI tools into creative work. It is among the first creative works to receive a copyright for the arrangement of AI-generated text.

“We’re seeing the Copyright Office struggling with where to draw the line,” intellectual property lawyer Erica Van Loon, a partner at Nixon Peabody, says. Shupe’s case highlights some of the nuances of that struggle—because the approval of her registration comes with a significant caveat.

The USCO’s notice granting Shupe copyright registration of her book does not recognize her as author of the whole text as is conventional for written works. Instead she is considered the author of the “selection, coordination, and arrangement of text generated by artificial intelligence.” This means no one can copy the book without permission, but the actual sentences and paragraphs themselves are not copyrighted and could theoretically be rearranged and republished as a different book.

The agency backdated the copyright registration to October 10, the day that Shupe originally attempted to register her work. It declined to comment on this story. “The Copyright Office does not comment on specific copyright registrations or pending applications for registration,” Nora Scheland, an agency spokesperson says. President Biden’s executive order on AI last fall asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to make recommendations on copyright and AI to the White House in consultation with the Copyright Office, including on the “scope of protection for works produced using AI.”

Although Shupe’s limited copyright registration is notable, she originally asked the USCO to open a more significant path to copyright recognition for AI-generated material. “I seek to copyright the AI-assisted and AI-generated material under an ADA exemption for my many disabilities,” she wrote in her original copyright application. Shupe believes fervently that she was only able to complete her book with the assistance of generative AI tools. She says she has been assessed as 100 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs and struggles to write due to cognitive impairment related to conditions including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and a brain stem malformation.

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She is proud of the finished work and sees working with a text generator as a different but no less worthwhile method of expressing thoughts. “You don't just hit ‘generate’ and get something worthy of publishing. That may come in the future, but we're still far from it,” she says, noting that she spent upwards of 14 hours a day working on her draft.

After her initial registration was refused, Shupe connected with Jonathan Askin, founder of the Brooklyn Law Incubator and Policy Clinic at Brooklyn Law School, which takes pro bono cases centered on emerging tech and policy questions. Askin and Brooklyn Law student Sofia Vescovo began working on Shupe’s case and filed an appeal with the USCO in January.

The appeal built on Shupe’s argument about her disabilities, saying she should be granted copyright because she used ChatGPT as an assistive technology to communicate, comparing her use of OpenAI’s chatbot to an amputee using a prosthetic leg. The appeal claimed that the USCO “discriminated against her because of her disability.”

The Brooklyn Law appeal also claimed that Shupe should be granted copyright for compiling the book—that is, doing the work of selecting and organizing the snippets of AI-generated text. It provided an exhaustive log of how Shupe prompted ChatGPT, showing the custom commands she created and the edits she made.

It includes a side-by-side comparison of the unedited machine output and the final version of Shupe’s book. On a sentence level, she adjusted almost every line in some way, from changes in word choice to structure. One example describing a character in the novel: “Mark eyed her, a complex mix of concern and annoyance evident in his gaze” becomes “Mark studied her, his gaze reflecting both worry and irritation.”

The appeal cites another recent AI copyright decision about the graphic novel Zarya and the Dawn , which incorporates AI-generated images created with Midjourney. In February 2023, author Kris Kashtanova was granted copyright to the selection and arrangement of AI-generated images in the text, even though they were denied copyright on the specific images themselves.

When the USCO granted Shupe’s request for copyright, it did not address the disability argument put forth but agreed with the appeal’s other argument. Shupe could be considered the author of “selection, coordination, and arrangement of text generated by artificial intelligence,” the agency wrote, backdating her copyright registration to October 10, 2023, the day that Shupe had originally attempted to register her work. That gives her authorship of the work overall, prohibiting unauthorized wholecloth reproduction of the entire book, but not copyright protection over the actual sentences of the novel.

“Overall, we are extremely satisfied,” says Vescovo. The team felt that copyrighting the book’s compilation would provide peace of mind against out-and-out reproduction of the work. “We really wanted to make sure we could get her this protection right now.” The Brooklyn Law team hope Shupe’s approval can serve as a blueprint for other people experimenting with AI text generation who want some copyright protection.

“I’m going to take this as a win for now,” Shupe says, even though she knows that “in some ways, it’s a compromise.” She maintains that the way she uses ChatGPT more closely resembles a collaboration than an automated output, and that she should be able to copyright the actual text of the book.

Matthew Sag, a professor of law and artificial intelligence at Emory University, calls what the USCO granted Shupe “thin copyright”—protection against full-fledged duplication of materials that doesn’t stop someone from rearranging the paragraphs into a different story. “This is the same kind of copyright you would get in an anthology of poetry that you didn’t write,” Sag says.

Erica Van Loon agrees. “It’s hard to imagine something more narrow,” she says.

Shupe is part of a larger movement to make copyright law friendlier to AI and the people who use it. The Copyright Office, which both administers the copyright registration system and advises Congress, the judiciary system, and other governmental agencies on copyright matters, plays a central role in determining how works that use AI are treated.

Although it continues to define authorship as an exclusively human endeavor , the USCO has demonstrated openness to registering works that incorporate AI elements. The USCO said in February that it has granted registration to over 100 works with AI incorporated; a search by WIRED found over 200 copyright registration applications explicitly disclosing AI elements, including books, songs, and visual artworks.

One such application came from Tyler Partin, who works for a chemical manufacturer. He recently registered a tongue-in-cheek song he created about a coworker, but excluded lyrics that he spun up using ChatGPT from his registration. Partin sees the text generator as a tool, but ultimately doesn’t think he should take credit for its output. Instead, he applied only for the music rather than the accompanying words. “I didn’t do that work,” he says.

But there are others who share Shupe’s perspective and agree with her mission, and believe that AI-generated materials should be registrable. Some high-profile attempts to register AI-generated artworks have resulted in USCO refusals, like artist Jason M. Allen’s effort to get his award-winning artwork Théâtre D’opéra Spatial copyrighted last year. AI researcher Stephen Thaler has been on a mission for years to prove that he should be entitled to copyright protections for a work made by the AI system he developed.

Thaler is currently appealing a ruling in the US last year that rebuffed his attempt to obtain copyright. Ryan Abbott, the lead attorney on the case, founded the Artificial Inventor Project , a group of intellectual property lawyers who file test cases seeking legal protections for AI-generated works.

Abbott is a supporter of Shupe’s mission, although he’s not a member of her legal team. He isn’t happy that the copyright registration excludes the AI-generated work itself. “We all see it as a very big problem,” he says.

Shupe and her legal helpers don’t have plans to push the ADA argument further by contesting the USCO’s decision, but it’s an issue that is far from settled. “The best path is probably to lobby Congress for an addition to the ADA statute,” says Askin. “There's a potential for us to draft some legislation or testimony to try to move Congress in that direction.”

Shupe’s qualified victory is still a significant marker in how the Copyright Office is grappling with what it means to be an author in the age of AI. She hopes going public with her efforts will reduce what she sees as a stigma against using AI as a creative tool. Her metaphorical nuke didn’t go off, but she has nonetheless advanced her cause. “I haven't been this excited since I unboxed a Commodore 64 back in the 1980s and, after a lot of noise, connected to a distant computer,” she says.

Updated 17-4-2024, 4:35 pm EDT: President Biden's executive order on AI last year asked the US Patent and Trademark office to make recommendations on copyright and AI in consultation with the Copyright Office, it did not ask the Copyright Office itself to make the recommendations.

Updated 18-4-2024, 9 am EDT: This piece has been updated to clarify Stephen Thaler's position on AI system copyright.

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• For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.

BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (Creative Writing)

This degree gives you the freedom to combine the study of different subject areas in the arts and humanities. You'll develop a specialism in creative writing, exploring a range of approaches to writing and developing your skills. You can combine this with a second specialism or choose to develop broader interests in art history, classical studies, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies. You'll also discover how knowledge is created and shared in the arts and humanities, stretch your imagination and develop your own creative and critical responses. By studying this degree, you'll become an independent learner and a member of a diverse and vibrant student community.

• Specialise in creative writing within a broad and flexible arts and humanities degree
• Develop and reflect on your own writing practice
• Have the opportunity to develop a project based on independent study
• Develop a range of skills that will be valuable in the workplace and to further study

Find out more about Entry requirements

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 specialise in creative writing in combination with either a second specialism in arts and humanities or study modules from across the arts and humanities curriculum.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits).

In Stage 1 you will encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach you need to tackle more specialist modules at Stages 2 and 3. 

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2 you’ll study through an engaging mix of practical exercises, activities and readings, all designed to sustain your creative writing. You’ll explore the creative process; how to use your memory; developing a daily discipline; approaches to fiction, poetry and life writing; and the world of publishing and the requirements of professional presentation.

You will complete the stage with a second module chosen from a wide choice of arts and humanities modules.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3 you’ll continue to develop your fiction, poetry and life writing skills and be introduced to scriptwriting. You’ll explore form and genre; how to sustain longer and more complex works of fiction and poetry; writing for stage, film and radio; professional layouts for dramatic media; how scriptwriting skills might enhance and influence your fiction, poetry and life writing; and how to improve your individual voice and style.

You will complete your degree with a second module chosen from a wide range of arts and humanities modules.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us . This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

• Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
• Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
• Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
• Finding external/third-party material online
• Accessing online catalogues and databases
• Specialist material, such as works of art and musical manuscripts
• Specialist software, such as Sibelius (a music writing package)
• Online tutorials

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our  Disability support  page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

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

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course we'll award you our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities.

If you choose a specialist route, your degree title will show with:

• One specialism – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (History)
• Two specialisms – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Arts and Humanities (French and Classical Studies).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you intend to use your Open University qualification to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications .

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations  website. 

• BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities

Compare this course

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

How much time do I need?

• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year .
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week .
• If you wish to study a collaborative module (CTLU302, CDDR301 or CDDR321) and study full time, it will take you a minimum of:  – 3 years if you fund either of these modules by any means other than a Student Loan  – 4 years if you fully fund this qualification with a Student Loan. This is because the Student Loans provider will not provide a loan for two Higher Education Institutions in the same Academic Year, as required within Stage 3 of this qualification.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

• feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
• support from a dedicated team throughout your study
• detailed written feedback on your work.

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

• A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
• Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
• Most of our students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
• Our typical fee for 60 credits is £3,636*.
• This means, at current prices, the typical total cost of your qualification would be £21,816*.
• This qualification also includes option modules that are higher and lower than typical cost. If you choose to study one or more of these modules, the total cost of your qualification will differ from that stated above.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules .

Additional costs

Study costs.

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable. Options include Part-Time Tuition Fee Loans (also known as student loans), monthly payment plans and employer sponsorship. 

We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you. Just answer these simple questions to find out more about the options available to you for courses starting before 31 July 2025.

To find out what funding options are available you need to tell us:

• how many credits you want to study
• if you already hold a degree
• if your household is in receipt of benefits
• about your household income
• if you are employed
• if you are a member of the British forces overseas

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

• You will need [xxx] credits to complete this qualification.

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now, was it achieved in the last 5 years, are you employed, are you a member of british forces posted overseas.

British Forces

• If you have a BFPO address, you are only eligible for UK course fees if you are a currently serving member of the British armed forces and you're temporarily and unavoidably working abroad. Other students using BFPO addresses should contact us on +44 (0)300 303 5303 for UK fee eligibility to be assessed.

*The fee information provided above is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules .

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• details of each assignment and their due dates
• a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage .

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Ffion, describes why she chose the OU and how she is using her degree to progress herself further in a career she loves.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

• mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
• guide you to learning resources
• support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.
• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded. Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

• our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
• other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
• the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
• free Microsoft Office 365 software
• IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

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
• 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.

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:

• teacher (for secondary teaching, you will need at least 180 credits in the subject you plan to teach)
• museum curator
• civil servant
• advertising account manager
• public relations manager
• charity campaigner
• retail manager
• human resources manager
• information archivist
• media researcher
• local government and NHS management
• further education lecturer
• advice worker
• arts administration
• marketing officer
• tourist officer
• business manager.

Register for this course

This is the Creative Writing route through our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities. You will register on the BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities and enrol on the relevant modules for this route.

• Oct 2024 - Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Feb 2025 - Registration closes 09/01/2025

Request your Arts and Humanities prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

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