If you are interested in studying a range of subjects in humanities, social sciences and life sciences, then a liberal arts degree is perfect for you. Liberal Arts is one of the oldest and broadest areas of study, covering subjects such as history, literature, philosophy, psychology, theatre arts and economics.
With a wide range of subjects to choose from and its interdisciplinary nature, the career options available for liberal arts graduates are many. The UK is a preferred destination for studying the liberal arts and is home to some of the best liberal arts colleges in the world, such as Durham, King’s College and Leeds.
UK universities allow students to study two, three, or even four subjects as part of their liberal arts degree by choosing modules that suit their individual interests. The degrees focus on creativity, critical thinking and other vital skills needed for graduates to become a valuable assets to employers in a wide range of fields.
Learn about leading universities for studying liberal arts in the UK below, or book a free consultation to apply to UK universities for the upcoming intake with SI-UK India today.
Leading UK Universities for Liberal Arts Studies
University of Birmingham
The undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences degree at the University of Birmingham is designed for students who want to study Liberal Arts, Sciences, or a combination of both at the degree level. Each student creates a unique programme by combining different subjects, with a major subject as their specialism. The programme offers flexibility, with examples of real undergraduate student pathways available for viewing. Students can decide whether to graduate with a BA, BSc, MArt, MSci, or Natural Sciences qualification from the same entry point.
There are many opportunities to shape the School, such as participating in student-leadership groups, community meetings, curriculum development groups, Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences Society, or student-ambassador positions. It also includes a cultural programme that offers new experiences beyond the lecture hall or seminar room. Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences students are part of a diverse community that welcomes and celebrates differences.
- Course in focus: BA (Hons) Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Entry requirements: Typical offer: A*AA-AAA; IB Diploma: 34-32 points and admissions essay.
- International fees: £21,000
- QS World Ranking: 91st
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol’s three-year BA Liberal Arts course provides an opportunity to explore arts and humanities while developing crucial skills in analysis and communication that are valuable throughout the degree and beyond. The course combines in-depth study of a single discipline (pathway) with exploring other subjects within the Faculty of Arts. It provides a combination of depth and breadth, enabling students to develop innovative ways of thinking and providing them with an enviable range of abilities.
In the first two years, students devote at least a quarter of their studies to their pathway and take bespoke core units exploring interdisciplinary issues in the arts and humanities. Additionally, students learn a language of their choice and visualise and understand data. The final year includes a dissertation and taking the final pathway and optional units. The course also includes a capstone unit to help understand the professional value of the degree and think like a global citizen.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: A-level standard offer: AAA; International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level.
- International fees: £22,200
- QS World Ranking: 61st
Durham University
One of the best liberal arts institutes in the UK, Durham University offers a popular BA Liberal Arts degree. The course is flexible and multidisciplinary, allowing students to tailor their programme of study to their interests and career aspirations. They can focus on two subjects in greater depth or spread their learning across several subjects.
Students can choose from a range of subjects in the arts and humanities, such as classics and ancient history, English literature, history, music, philosophy, theology and religious studies, visual arts, and modern languages and cultures. They can also study social sciences subjects such as anthropology, archaeology, business, economics, education, geography, international relations, politics, and sociology.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: A level offer – A*AA; IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects.
- QS World Ranking: 92nd
University of Exeter
The BA Liberal Arts at the University of Exeter comprises compulsory and optional modules worth 15 or 30 credits each. It is designed to equip students with key intellectual tools they can use throughout their degree and future careers and core modules in the first two years provide a strong foundation for a holistic approach to learning, while the final year enables students to focus on their chosen Major and develop their academic specialism.
In the first year, students take the 30-credit core module 'Liberal Arts: Being Human in the Modern World,' which provides a solid grounding in the skills, methods, and principles of liberal learning, along with at least 15 credits in an ancient or modern language. The second year builds on the foundational learning of the first year and includes the 15-credit Think Tank module, which is practice-based and develops research, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: A-Level: AAA; IB: 36/666
- International fees: £21,500
- QS World Ranking: 163rd
King’s College London
The Liberal Arts BA at King's College London allows students to tailor their degree to their interests by choosing from various arts, humanities, and social sciences options. The programme includes 13 majors: Classical & Hellenic Studies, Comparative Literature, Digital Media & Culture, English, Film Studies, Geography, and History.
It provides students with a wide choice of modules from across the Arts & Humanities Faculty and selected subjects in the Social Science & Public Policy Faculty. Students will also have access to outstanding collections and research facilities in the Maughan and Senate House Libraries and the educational, social, and sporting opportunities the College and the University of London provide.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: Required grades: AAA; International Baccalaureate: 35 points including 666 at Higher Level.
- International fees: £23,160
- QS World Ranking: 37th
UK Liberal Arts Scholarships
Many UK universities offer Liberal Arts scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships can vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and available disciplines and it is advisable to speak to an SI-UK consultant to explore the scholarships they offer for liberal arts or related fields.
Liberal Arts Jobs and Careers
A degree in Liberal Arts can lead to a variety of job opportunities, even though the career path may not be obvious. While there may not be a specific job title like "philosopher," each discipline in liberal arts equips graduates with valuable skills applicable to diverse fields. Potential jobs for liberal arts graduates include advertising representative, archivist, artist, events director, financial analyst, graphic designer, human resources specialist, journalist, etc.
Study Liberal Arts in the UK
Study an interdisciplinary and flexible liberal arts degree at a top UK university by arranging your free consultation with SI-UK India today.
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