Liberal Arts - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Follow your intellectual interests, learn about the world around you and unlock opportunities across a range of sectors.,If you’re creative and curious with an interest in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the BA in Liberal Arts could be what you’re looking for. A highly regarded degree subject with a long-standing tradition, Liberal Arts gives you the freedom to craft a programme of study that is tailored around your interests and career aspirations. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. This course appeals to highly qualified, self-motivated and independent-minded students who are seeking to make creative connections between their subjects. A multidisciplinary qualification that sits outside of traditional boundaries, the course offers exceptional flexibility and the opportunity to learn in some of the UK’s most prestigious Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences departments. You can choose to focus on two subjects at a deeper level or spread your learning across a wider range of subjects. You will explore a diverse selection of contemporary worldwide issues which will develop your intellectual and critical skills. As such, you will be well placed to take up careers in fields as diverse as law, teaching, publishing and the financial services. In the Arts and Humanities you can choose from: Classics and Ancient HistoryEnglish Literature HistoryMusic Philosophy Theology and Religious StudiesVisual ArtsLanguages, currently Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish Up to half of your modules can be chosen from subjects in the Social Sciences (subject to timetable compatibility and entry requirements): AnthropologyArchaeologyBusinessEconomicsEducationGeographyInternational RelationsPoliticsSociology and Criminology The degree culminates in a dissertation or research project on a relevant topic which draws together the skills developed throughout the course. Years 1 and 2 The first two years follow a similar structure. In each year you will study six modules, these can be chosen from a minimum of two and a maximum of four subjects. The subjects currently on offer are listed below. All students in Year 1 study the core Liberal Arts: Sources of the Self module. This is an interdisciplinary module which will challenge you to engage with ideas and concepts from across the Arts and Humanities Faculty, equipping you with the necessary skills to successfully undertake an interdisciplinary programme. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad) In your final year, you will complete a research project/dissertation within the Arts and Humanities faculty (including the choice of an interdisciplinary dissertation), and study four other modules, in two or three subjects. Modules can be chosen from a list of subjects which currently includes: Arts and Humanities subjects Classics and Ancient History includes translation, the history, philosophy, literature and culture of the ancient world, and the study of Greek and Latin at several different levels, opening up the literatures of the Greek and Roman worlds in their original languages. English Literature includes specific literary genres, such as poetry, drama and the novel. Also, the literatures of specific periods, including Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian and Modern Literature, as well as studies in the theory and practice of literary criticism. History includes medieval, early modern and late modern history through a range of modules in economic, social, religious, cultural, political and diplomatic history, focusing on Britain, continental Europe, Africa, China and the USA. Modern Languages and Cultures includes the principal languages of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.