Undergraduate Degrees

The BA Liberal Arts (with Foundation Year) gives students the opportunity to progress on to the three year Liberal Arts programme following the successful completion of a Foundation Year. This allows students who have not met the entry criteria for the BA Liberal Arts, or a related degree course, to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed on this intellectually demanding, interdisciplinary and research-led programme. This course allows students to explore a range of disciplines including History, Art History, Film, Television and Media, Politics, Languages, American Studies, Philosophy, English Literature and gain the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market.

Course Structure

Year 1

Level 0: The Foundation Year will help you to develop a variety of key study skills which will enable you to excel as an Undergraduate. You will take two compulsory modules totalling 60 credits, one beginners’ language module (20 credits) and two “defined choice” modules for a further 40 credits. Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies, politics and the history of art. You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail at level 1 and above. After completing the Foundation Year you will be able to begin your continued study with confidence in your ability to learn and progress in Higher Education. Furthermore, the Foundation Year will allow you to develop a range of transferable skills such as communication, collegiality, time-management and language skills which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.

Year 2

Level 1: This year builds on the Foundation Year to give you a more detailed understanding of the skills and knowledge required to study the liberal arts. You will gain an appreciation of great literature through the study of books that have shaped our thinking and society. You will also be able to develop your foreign language skills, numeracy, reasoning and logic and visual analysis.

Year 3

Level 2: During your third year you are able to choose from a wide range of options that span the arts and humanities and social sciences. You will gain an appreciation of culture in the modern world in addition to optional modules designed to provide thorough research and practical training. Options include an extensive range of American studies, history, art, film and television, media, languages, creative writing, drama and literature, philosophy, culture and society, and politics modules. There is also the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or spend a semester on a work placement.

Year 4

Level 3: In your final year you take fewer modules but these are studied in greater depth enabling you to develop your knowledge and skills. Taught modules draw on staff research expertise and allow the student to engage with specialist subjects. In addition you will undertake a liberal arts dissertation with supervisory advice in an area in which you have developed an interest over your years of study. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills developed in the first two years.

Assessment

During the Foundation Year will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to exercise different learning styles and familiarise you with the format and expectations of assessment in Higher Education. There will be a strong emphasis on formative assessment with feedback on drafts of written work and group tutorials which will help you to clearly see how you can improve and develop, enabling you to learn from your peers as well as teaching staff. This in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and become a more independent learner.

Your progress will be monitored through individual tutorials to ensure that you are happy on the course and achieving your full potential. You need to achieve a minimum of 40% overall with a pass in all modules in order to progress on to the Liberal Arts programme.

Entry Requirements

A Level:

CCC

International Baccalaureate:

28 points

Scottish Highers:

Please contact institution for further information

Scottish Advanced Highers:

Please contact institution for further information

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Please contact institution for further information

Access Course:

Please contact institution for further information

HND:

Please contact institution for further information

European Baccalaureate:

60% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 19 in Writing, 18 in Listening components and 20 in Reading components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing and 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you are studying the BTEC National Diploma please contact us for further information.

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

Fees and Funding

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - Students studying a Foundation Year may be eligible for a bursary of £4500.00 during their first year.  Further details of eligibility can be found at http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students -  The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international