A liberal arts degree covers various subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and life sciences, such as history, literature, philosophy, psychology, theatre arts, and economics.
With many subjects to choose from and their interdisciplinary nature, liberal arts degrees offer many career options for graduates. UK universities allow students to study two, three, or even four subjects as part of their liberal arts degree, suiting their interests. Liberal arts undergraduate degrees focus on creativity, critical thinking, and other vital skills needed for graduates to become valuable assets to employers.
Learn more about five leading liberal arts degrees for international students below. If you want to begin your application to study in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Five Leading Liberal Arts Degrees in the UK
Below is the list of the top UK universities offering liberal arts degrees.
1. King’s College London
King’s College London offers a liberal arts programme that can be tailored to suit your interests. King’s offers excellent teaching and facilities across all disciplines, and liberal arts students enjoy the opportunity to study a language, spend time abroad, or undertake an internship. Students can pick from 12 majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and other modules.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 35 points including 666 at Higher Level. A-level: AAA.
- International fee: £24,786
2. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester offers a BA in Liberal Arts, emphasising interdisciplinary understanding and critical thinking. In the first year, students study humanities, analysing key thinkers and questioning knowledge's value and communication. In the second year, the focus shifts to applying interdisciplinary research to urban issues.
The final year includes a Creative Manchester project, integrating internship or volunteering experiences with studies, culminating in impactful reports and presentations. The programme prepares students for engaging with academic and non-academic audiences while promoting social responsibility.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 points overall, 6,6,6 in Higher-Level subjects, to include at least one subject assessed primarily on written work rather than practical.
- International fee: £25,500
3. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol Liberal Arts programme combines in-depth study of a subject from the Faculty of Arts with exploration of other arts and humanities subjects chosen by students. Core modules will help you discover your passions as you work closely with other students to examine some of the key issues facing society today.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £23,900
4. University of Southampton
The BA in Liberal Arts at the University of Southampton provides a strong foundation in liberal arts while allowing specialisation in a chosen subject area. Students can opt for full-time or part-time study, with opportunities for a year abroad or employment between the second and third years.
In the first year, students explore differences between sciences and humanities, human nature, and truth. The second year delves into culture and society, specialising in the chosen pathway subject. The final year involves independent dissertation research alongside further pathway and elective modules.
- Course in focus: BA Liberal Arts
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: Pass, with an overall score of 36 points, with 18 at a higher level.
- International fee: £22,300
5. University of Birmingham
A beautiful red brick university ranked in the UK’s top 20, the University of Birmingham's Liberal Art programme is ideal for students wishing to study a combination of arts, science and social science subjects. The flexible programme structure allows students to pick one subject as their specialism, complemented with subjects suiting other interests.
Students will generally spend the third year of their programme studying abroad at a partner destination, whilst the Cultural Programme brings together poets, writers, academics and scientific specialists to speak to you on campus.
- Course in focus: BA (Hons) Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Entry requirements: IB Diploma: 6, 6, 6 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall.
- International fee: £22,860
Study Liberal Arts in the UK
Begin your application to study in the UK by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to study Liberal Arts in the UK?
To study liberal arts in the UK, students generally require good grades in relevant subjects at the A-level, IB diploma, or equivalent, such as English, History, or Social Sciences. Additionally, universities may look for applicants with a strong academic background and critical thinking skills.
How many years has liberal arts been in the UK?
Liberal arts education has existed in the UK for centuries, primarily within the structure of traditional universities offering broad-based education in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and sometimes fine arts. Modern liberal arts programmes have gained popularity in the UK over the past few decades as universities have introduced interdisciplinary courses covering various subjects.
How much can you make with a liberal arts degree?
The earning potential with a Liberal Arts degree is wide-ranging. While Liberal Arts graduates may not have a direct career path like those in specialised fields, they often develop versatile skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across various industries. According to data from several sources, the average salary for graduates with a liberal arts degree in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £40,000 per year, with the potential for higher earnings with experience and career progression.