A guide to arts, humanities and social sciences courses

What can you study?

Key fields in the arts and humanities Include:

• Humanities: Modern History, Philosophy, Literature, Languages, Religion, Cultural Studies.
• Social Sciences: Sociology, Psychology, Politics, Anthropology, International Relations.

We have detailed guides for further study fields in the arts further down in this page.

Together, AHSS disciplines help us understand how societies function, how individuals think and behave, and how culture, history, and communication shape our world.

Why choose to study a university degree in these fields?

Choosing to study Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences can lead to a fulfilling and versatile career. Key reasons include:

• Broad career opportunities: Graduates work in education, media, public policy, law, marketing, international development, non-profits, creative industries, and more.
• Transferable skills: Degrees in these areas develop essential skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, creativity, intercultural awareness, and problem-solving.
• Global relevance: AHSS disciplines play a key role in tackling global challenges, from human rights and social inequality to cultural preservation and political change.
• Personal enrichment: Many students choose AHSS studies out of a passion for understanding the world, expressing themselves, and engaging in meaningful discourse.

Practical learning and research opportunities

Despite being less lab-based than STEM subjects, AHSS fields offer a wide range of practical and research-based learning:

• Fieldwork and internships: Social science students often conduct field research, interviews, surveys, or placements in government, NGOs, or community organisations.
• Creative projects: Arts students build portfolios, direct performances, or exhibit work as part of their course assessment.
• Archival and textual research: Humanities students work with historical documents, literary texts, or philosophical treatises in deep, interpretive analysis.
• Study abroad and language immersion: Language and cultural studies often include opportunities to study in another country.
• Collaborative pojects: Group-based assignments and seminars are common, helping students build teamwork and leadership skills.

Available courses and duration

Undergraduate Level:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Typically 3 years (4 years in the US or Scotland). Offers single or combined majors (e.g., History and Politics, English and Film Studies).
• Bachelor of Social Science / Human Services: 3 to 4 years, focusing more on applied research or policy-based disciplines.
• Fine Arts or Performing Arts Degrees: Usually 3 to 4 years, involving studio or performance-based learning.

Postgraduate Level:

• Master’s Degrees (MA, MSc, MPhil): 1 to 2 years, including coursework and/or a research dissertation.
• Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates: Shorter programs for professional development or specialization.
• Doctoral Degrees (PhD): Typically 3 to 5 years, research-focused and often leading to academic or high-level policy careers.

Many postgraduate programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to combine interests (e.g., Digital Humanities, Global Development, Gender Studies).

Academic entry requirements:

Undergraduate:

• High school qualifications equivalent to A-levels, IB, or a national diploma
• Minimum academic scores, often in subjects like English, history, or social studies
• English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0–7.0, TOEFL 80–100)

Postgraduate:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree, typically with at least a second-class honors or GPA equivalent
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes a writing sample or research proposal
• English proficiency requirements similar to undergraduate level

Tuition fees

Tuition costs can vary by country, university, and level of study. Generally, AHSS courses are less expensive than science, engineering, or medical degrees.

Estimated annual tuition Fees:

Scholarships, bursaries, and assistantships are widely available, especially at the postgraduate level.

Conclusion

Degrees in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offer far more than academic knowledge – they cultivate critical thinkers, empathetic leaders, and culturally aware citizens. Whether you aspire to shape policy, tell stories, understand human behavior, or advocate for change, AHSS disciplines provide the tools to make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving world.