Liberal Arts, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

In your first year you'll spend a third of your time being introduced to the key concepts, approaches and methods of your 'major', which you can choose from a broad range of subjects. In addition, you choose optional modules from three of seven broadly defined topic areas, and you take a core module on the Liberal Arts approach that gives you a training in the skills of cross-disciplinary enquiry and teaches you how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Read more about Liberal Arts majors

Read more about Liberal Arts topics

You'll build on this foundation in the following year, when half of the modules you study are in your major subject. You'll then choose modules from two of the seven topic strands, usually related to your earlier choices, and you'll undertake a research placement which includes the option of working with external organisations.

The critical, analytical and research skills you acquire during the degree will be highly developed by the final year. You'll showcase them when you undertake an independent research project, using your interdisciplinary skills to explore a question of your choice. You'll also take a module in your chosen topic, and give half of your time to your major.

After the third year, you can choose to spend another year at Leeds to complete the Integrated MA in Liberal Arts, combining an independent project with advanced study in your major and one topic area.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Follow the link to the Programme Catalogue to see examples of modules you could study.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A Liberal Arts degree is varied and challenging. It equips you with impressively broad subject knowledge as well as transferable skills that are valued by all kinds of employers. Through your programme, you have the option to work with partners external to the University, so you can make connections through you studies and the world beyond the classroom.

    You'll be an excellent communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, and you'll be comfortable working independently or as a team. You'll also have strong research skills and highly developed skills of analysis and interpretation.

    All of these qualities are attractive to employers, and our graduates have gone on to succeed in areas such as politics, management, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Many have also pursued postgraduate study.

    We do everything we can to support your career ambitions. Our students particularly benefit from our 'directors' teas' -- small seminars which give you the chance to meet and learn from entrepreneurs in the world of business, charities or elsewhere in the third sector.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

  • Related courses

    Liberal Arts (International Language) BA