BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- _Y00P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Course Overview
Cross subject and discipline boundaries to build a unique degree that fits your interests and career goals.
BA Liberal Arts with a Placement Year at UEA harnesses the best expertise from across the University, creating an exciting and innovative degree programme. You’ll experience the renowned teaching of UEA’s academics while being supported by a dedicated core team.
Start by choosing your major from the Arts and Humanities, then tailor your degree with a minor from a diverse range of subjects, including the Arts and Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences. From Film Production to Business or Computing, your choices will create unique connections and insights. By exploring modules across different Schools, you'll engage with a variety of methods, approaches, and theories.
During your Liberal Arts degree at UEA, you’ll engage in hands-on, task-led projects, applying interdisciplinary concepts to real-world challenges. Reflective learning will help you identify and build on your strengths. Make the most of your degree with study abroad opportunities or valuable work experience, and access top-tier resources like our in-house media facilities and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. In your third year, you’ll undertake a work placement, gaining valuable real-world experience and employability skills in a relevant field of your choice. You’ll learn how to apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting, further preparing you for your future career.
If you want the freedom to explore your passions while gaining valuable skills, Liberal Arts at UEA is for you. This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead and innovate. Upon graduation, you’ll be in a perfect position to take advantage of future job prospects. While studying with us, you’ll create an original and unique portfolio of expertise that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Placement Year
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a 9-12 month placement in the third year. You'll be expected to source your own work placement with the support of UEA's Career Central Service and your school.
Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Study and Modules
Structure
At the core of your Liberal Arts degree at UEA are broad-based modules designed to develop your ability to think across disciplines. You’ll be exposed to a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, theories, and methods. We’ll encourage you to explore subjects in depth, applying and combining different disciplines to analyse and understand the complexities of the contemporary world.
In year one, you’ll focus on methodological theory and practice within the Humanities. You’ll also make a wide range of module choices selected from within arts and humanities subjects. You’ll be guided towards a discipline-based major, alongside a minor pathway (with the latter selected from a wide range of subjects from within the arts and humanities, or social sciences, or sciences).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Liberal Arts at UEA offers a dynamic learning environment, combining cutting-edge teaching methods with a wide range of disciplines. Led by internationally respected academics, your studies will be enriched through a blend of small group experiences with fellow Liberal Arts students, and opportunities to study alongside other students in your major field and optional modules, through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, workshops, one-on-one support, and self-directed learning.
In seminars, you'll refine your skills in listening, critiquing ideas, and presenting your own arguments. In our Liberal Arts core module, you’ll be taught in regular seminars by staff with specialisms from across the Humanities. Elective modules, based within different Schools, will further expand your knowledge. Through all of this, you’ll develop crucial interdisciplinary research skills to uncover resources and critically assess sources.
Independent Learning
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher, and an analytical thinker.
You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through organising evidence, and become confident in time management, organisation, and self-directed study.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, which will vary depending on your academic choices. During your first year, assessment methods could include coursework, exams, group work, written reports, or presentations. At the beginning of each module, you’ll be given detailed information on how and when you’ll be assessed.
Structure
In this year, you’ll focus on your specific major and minor subject areas, studying them in greater depth. You’ll deepen your practical expertise by applying multiple-disciplinary perspectives to tackle increasingly complex problems. Through experiential learning, you’ll engage in activities central to Liberal Arts training - interdisciplinary collaboration, systems thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you’ll continue with a core Liberal Arts module in the Autumn Semester. There will be a strong reflective element to your interdisciplinary study experience. You’ll deepen the connections between the modules you choose and your own learning journey. We’ll encourage and support you to build upon areas of strength and identify where you can continue to develop core skills.
You’ll also experience teaching in different elective modules in disciplines tailored to your specific major and minor pathways. In your second year, you’ll deepen your independent learning and further refine your critical thinking and research skills. You'll continue to explore topics that spark your interest, while also discovering new passions.
Assessment
As with year one, in year two you’ll complete different types of assessment depending on which modules you choose for your major and minor pathways. The types of assessment will build on those you’ve experienced in your first year. Similarly, this might include written reports, coursework, exams, work produced within a group setting, or presentations. As you progress into the second year of your degree, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent thinker.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You’ll be responsible for securing the placement, but UEA has well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond and can help you to identify and compete for appropriate placement opportunities. Throughout your placement, you’ll maintain close contact with your UEA academic adviser, and you’ll be supported by a placement adviser. The year will be assessed through a written evaluative report.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work, whilst applying the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills you’ve developed during the first two years of study. During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement adviser from the university. You and your placement adviser will feed back during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your placement adviser will also visit you during the year.
Assessment
For your placement year, you’ll be assessed through a final report in which you’ll reflect upon your experiences.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll deepen your expertise in your chosen major and minor subjects while undertaking a substantial research project. This independent study will reflect your personal interests and be supervised by an academic expert in the field.
With dedicated support from the Liberal Arts team, you'll shape a degree that is truly unique to you, preparing for a future that aligns with your passions and ambitions.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 30)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 90)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you’ll continue to take increasingly specialist elective modules in your major and minor subject areas. You’ll also have dedicated tutorials to help formulate, research and write your independent research project under the skilled supervision of a member of academic staff with research expertise in your area of study.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll choose increasingly specialised modules, taught by staff who are experts in their field. In turn, your assessments will allow you to focus on the subjects and areas which are of greatest interest to you. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an Independent Research Project which aligns with the main topics you’ve investigated during your degree. This project will bring together the interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise that you’ve acquired throughout your studies on your major and minor pathways.
Employability
After the Course
Liberal Arts at UEA will provide you with a competitive edge in today’s job market. You’ll develop the transferable skills, breadth of experience and adaptability that employers seek. Liberal Arts graduates are highly employable and especially attractive to employers because of the range of their intellectual skills, their capacity to make creative connections, and their independence of mind. As a result, Liberal Arts programmes produce world leaders in the arts, culture and media industries, politics, education, business, marketing, advertising, humanitarian work, technology, public service, amongst many other professions in the private and public sectors.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Consultancy and Management
- Education
- Culture and Media Industries
- Civil Service
- NGOs
- Public Relations and Marketing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Liberal Arts with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: