BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- Y00P
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
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Course Overview
Why BA Liberal Arts with a Placement Year at UEA?
Build deep expertise in a discipline and extend it across subjects, connecting ideas that shape the world around you.
Liberal Arts at UEA combines academic focus with flexibility to shape your studies and prepare for your professional future.
Why choose UEA?
- Defined specialism: Major in an Arts and Humanities subject and build a clear minor across disciplines
- Career-ready skills: Navigate complex issues by bringing different perspectives together
- Professional support: Study within a dedicated Liberal Arts team that knows you individually and supports your academic and career goals
What is Liberal Arts with a Placement Year?
BA Liberal Arts with a Placement Year at UEA is an Arts and Humanities-led degree built around a clear major and minor structure. You’ll choose your major from across the Arts and Humanities and develop deep expertise in that discipline.
Alongside your major, you’ll design a structured minor pathway. You can build your minor within Arts and Humanities by combining modules across subjects or choose a minor in Social Sciences or Sciences.
This means you might combine English Literature, History and Philosophy, link Film and Television Production with Business Management. You can also specialise in Politics with Sociology or connect Media Studies with Computing Science.
Placement Year
This version of the degree includes the opportunity to undertake a nine-to-12-month placement in your third year, extending your studies into a professional context.
You’ll be responsible for securing your placement, with guidance and support from UEA’s Careers Service and your school. The placement year enables you to apply the analytical, strategic and interdisciplinary skills developed during your first two years within a professional environment.
For further details, visit our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Careers
Career Pathways
A Liberal Arts degree at UEA prepares you for roles requiring structured analysis, informed decision-making and confident communication. Graduates move into positions such as:
- Policy Officer: develop and evaluate policy within government departments or public institutions
- Research Analyst: analyse complex evidence to inform strategic and operational decisions
- Communications Officer: deliver research-informed messaging across public and commercial organisations
- Project Coordinator: manage organisational partnerships and multidisciplinary initiatives
- Business Analyst: assess data, processes, and performance to support organisational strategy
Career Support
Your degree combines academic depth with applied work, and your major and minor structure helps you define a clear professional profile. Through coursework, applied projects and your final Capstone, you’ll produce substantial research and professional work that demonstrate analytical and strategic capability. You’ll also engage with external organisations, employer events and tailored guidance from UEA’s Careers Service, helping you translate your academic profile into specific career pathways.
Based in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature and a centre for the creative industries in the East of England, you’ll connect with museums, archives, theatres, media organisations and public institutions across the region. These partnerships enable you to apply your learning beyond the classroom and gain experience that strengthens your professional profile.
After the Course
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge in your major subject, an interdisciplinary perspective, and demonstrable analytical capability. You’ll be prepared for graduate roles across public, commercial and cultural sectors. You may as well choose to go for postgraduate study across the subject areas you've developed in depth.
Your training equips you to work confidently with complexity, evidence, and strategic judgement from the outset, bringing a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective to the challenges you choose to pursue.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your degree begins with focused study in your chosen major subject, where you’ll engage with the debates, texts and ideas that shape your field. Alongside this specialism, you’ll begin shaping a coherent minor pathway that broadens your academic range.
A core Liberal Arts module provides a structured introduction to interdisciplinary thinking, examining how different disciplines construct knowledge and approach shared questions. Through extended case studies, you’ll evaluate evidence and analyse complex issues from contrasting disciplinary perspectives.
This first year develops the research, analytical, and communication skills that underpin advanced study and professional work, strengthening both your disciplinary focus and your ability to work across fields.
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.
Structure
As your degree progresses, year two deepens your subject expertise and increases intellectual independence. You’ll engage with more specialised topics in your major while progressing in your minor pathway, refining your ability to interpret theory, data and critical debate.
A second core module introduces applied interdisciplinary work through a live challenge set by an external organisation. Working collaboratively, you’ll investigate real-world challenges, evaluate competing perspectives and develop structured proposals for external audiences. This stage strengthens strategic thinking, teamwork and professional communication alongside academic rigour.
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.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year undertaking a professional placement lasting nine to 12 months. You’re responsible for securing your placement, supported by UEA’s established employer networks, Careers Service and your school.
Throughout the year, you’ll maintain regular contact with your academic adviser and receive guidance from a dedicated placement adviser. The placement year is assessed through a written evaluative report, enabling you to critically reflect on your professional experience and its relationship to your academic studies.
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.
Structure
In your final year, the focus shifts to advanced independent work. You’ll consolidate expertise in your major subject and complete your minor pathway while undertaking a substantial Capstone project.
This independent project invites you to define a focused research question or applied problem that reflects your intellectual priorities and future ambitions, demonstrating the distinctive perspective you’ve developed across your degree. By graduation, you’ll have developed the independence, judgement, and intellectual precision to operate confidently in academic and professional environments.
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll study within a dedicated Liberal Arts team that ensures continuity and individual guidance as you shape your major, minor and future direction.
Teaching draws on internationally recognised research and equips you to work confidently with complex ideas, data and contemporary debates.
Depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll engage with subject-specific facilities across the University. You might study art within the Sainsbury Centre, work with primary materials in the British Archive for Contemporary Writing, develop projects in professional media studios and editing suites, or train in our dedicated Drama Studio. Liberal Arts students study alongside single-honours students in their chosen subjects, with full access to specialist teaching environments and resources.
You’ll learn across your major and minor subjects through lectures, seminars, and workshops shaped by current research. Small-group teaching encourages discussion, close analysis and independent thinking. Throughout the degree, a dedicated Liberal Arts team supports your academic development.
In year one, you build strong foundations in your major while beginning your minor pathway and exploring how different disciplines approach shared questions. In year two, teaching becomes more specialised and applied, including interdisciplinary projects that address contemporary issues. In your third year, you’ll undertake a professional placement, applying your academic knowledge within a workplace setting while continuing to develop independence and professional judgement. You’ll remain supported by both your academic adviser and a dedicated placement adviser throughout the year. In your final year, advanced seminars and individual supervision guide your project, supporting sustained independent work.
Assessment
Assessment reflects the diversity of your major and minor subjects and is primarily coursework-based. You’ll complete essays, research projects, collaborative assignments, and presentations that develop analytical precision and confident communication. You’ll receive regular written and verbal feedback throughout your degree to support improvement and academic growth.
In year one, assessment builds core research and writing skills. In year two, you demonstrate greater independence and applied critical work. During your placement year, you’ll complete a final evaluative report that critically analyses your professional experience and its connection to your academic development. In your final year, you complete advanced specialist assessments, culminating in your project.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
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 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 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 Distinction.
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 (opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC
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(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
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: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) 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 for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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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: