BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- Y00A
- Entry Requirements
- AAB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Cross the boundaries of subjects and disciplines and build a unique degree that is aligned with your intellectual interests and career objectives.
Liberal Arts at UEA harnesses the best research-led teaching from across the University, resulting in a radically different, innovative, and unique programme. The course is based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, but also taught across the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Sciences. This multidisciplinary and multi-Faculty approach means that in all elements of your degree you will benefit from the world-leading expertise alongside the supportive and inclusive teaching techniques of UEA’s academics, while retaining a home and core support network within the Liberal Arts team.
Our creative and flexible approach to student-centred learning, and strong emphasis on pastoral support, encourages you to achieve at the highest level. Liberal Arts at UEA combines academic and intellectual rigour with a supportive community and stimulating atmosphere to ensure an excellent student experience.
A year abroad will also allow you to take your studies overseas and explore another country – the cultural and academic experience of a lifetime!
Studying Liberal Arts at UEA allows you to enjoy the prospect of taking control of your studies while still being supported by a course structure.
This is an innovative and challenging programme aimed at ambitious and versatile students who do not want to be limited by traditional disciplinary boundaries. Our course is ideal if you wish to study more than one subject area while accessing greater flexibility than traditional joint degrees allow. Whichever subjects you choose, you will be learning at the forefront of your chosen disciplines with our stimulating, exciting research-led programme.
The course offers in-depth learning in your chosen field of specialisation, selected from subjects within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, which will constitute your major. This is then complemented by the study of other subjects alongside it, selected from within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Social Sciences, or the Faculty of Science, which will constitute your minor.
You might choose your major from History of Art, Film and Television Studies, Media Studies, American Studies, History, English Literature, Drama, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy, or Modern Languages. You might choose your minor from one of those subjects, producing a unique combination of Arts and Humanities otherwise unavailable. Or you might think beyond those subjects and pursue your minor in subjects such as Sociology, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or Computing Science. Your choice of subjects to study can produce some remarkable connections and insights! You might master writing and storytelling through the study of English Literature while gaining a competent grasp of Computing, equipping you for a host of digital careers. Or perhaps you’re motivated by the urgency of the Climate Crisis. Imagine combining the study of Philosophy – with a chance to explore our moral responsibility to the planet – with an understanding of Environmental Science.
If you are looking for the freedom to follow your interests and passions, wherever these might take you, then Liberal Arts at UEA will be for you. This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead and innovate. Whilst studying Liberal Arts at UEA, you will build an original and unique portfolio of expertise that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
UEA has strong links with universities across the globe, including Australia, Canada, the United States and Europe. Going to university in another country will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture – and possibly language – while studying for your Liberal Arts degree.
Your choice of exchange university for the Year Abroad may be influenced by the modules you have chosen and the research strengths of the individual institutions in those particular areas. Your academic adviser will discuss your choices and provide advice for your year abroad in year two.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
On this course, you will be exposed to a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, theories and methods that will encourage you not only to explore in detail, but also to use, apply, and combine in analysing and understanding the complexity of the contemporary world.
At the heart of your Liberal Arts degree at UEA will sit a group of broad-based core modules which will facilitate the development of your abilities to learn from, and through, interdisciplinary approaches.
The core module you will study focuses on methodological theory and practice within the Humanities. In addition to this interdisciplinary module, you will make a wide range of elective choices (selected from within arts and humanities subjects) guided towards a discipline-based major, alongside a minor pathway (with the latter selected from a 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 integrates the latest learning and teaching approaches to give you a varied and stimulating programme. No matter which disciplines you explore during your studies, teaching is led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research, and will involve a mixture of tailored 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.
Independent Learning
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 will develop accuracy and precision in your written work through organising evidence, and become confident in time management, organisation and self-directed study.
Year 1
In first year seminars, you’ll learn how to listen to and critique the ideas of others, as well as how to present and defend your own arguments effectively. In our Liberal Arts core module, you will be taught with an interdisciplinary approach in regular seminars by staff with specialisms from across the Humanities. The teaching within your elective modules will depend on the practice with the School your module is based in. Through all these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the crucial interdisciplinary research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, which will vary greatly 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 will be given detailed information on how and when you will be assessed.
Structure
In your second year, your studies will continue to include a further broad-based module which will allow you to develop practical expertise in the application of multiple-disciplinary perspectives when solving significant and increasingly complex problems. The core module will be central to the degree, encouraging you to engage with a range of activities traditionally associated with Liberal Arts training: interdisciplinary work, systems thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. In this year, you’ll also have the opportunity to focus on your specific major and minor subject areas and topics, studying them in greater depth and building upon your cross-disciplinary knowledge developed in year one.
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 will continue with a core Liberal Arts module in the Autumn Semester, whilst experiencing teaching in different elective modules in disciplines tailored to your specific major and minor pathways. You’ll consolidate your skills of independent and self-motivated learning, thinking and research during this second year of study while also being able to focus on topics which interest you, and find new passions.
Assessment
As with year one, you will 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 have experienced in your first year, and similarly 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 will spend your third year studying at your assigned university overseas, where you will choose modules that will complement your studies at UEA. You’ll have the opportunity to experience local culture and, depending on the location, a different language
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
For the Year Abroad variant of the Liberal Arts degree, the teaching and learning you experience will be specific to your chosen institution.
Assessment
During your Year Abroad, any assessments you undertake will be bespoke to your chosen institution.
Structure
In your final year of study, alongside your elective major and minor modules, you will undertake a substantial research project that can reflect your own interests and will be supervised by an academic working in the same research area.
With guided support from the Liberal Arts team, you will create a degree which is unique to you.
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 will 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 will have the opportunity to undertake an Independent Research Project which aligns with the main topics you have investigated during your degree. This project will bring together the knowledge and expertise that you have acquired through your major and minor pathways.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDD.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA. Only considered in combination with BBC in Scottish Highers Advanced.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
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, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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: International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Course Related Costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpages.
There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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:
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
Employability
After the Course
Liberal Arts at UEA will provide you with a competitive edge in today’s jobs market, giving you 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
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Consultancy and Management
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Education
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Culture and Media Industries
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Civil Service
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NGOs
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Public Relations and Marketing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.