| UCAS code | LA99 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Liberal Arts |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
| UCAS code | LA97 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Liberal Arts |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
| UCAS code | LA94 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Liberal Arts |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
| UCAS code | LA95 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Liberal Arts |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
Overview
- An internationally recognised, interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate study not limited by traditional discipline boundaries.
- Your studies will bring together the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, business and other associated subjects, allowing you to select a field of specialisation (your Major), complemented by other subjects, including an ancient or modern language.
- Study alongside the wider university population in subject lectures and seminars and with the support of like-minded Liberal Arts students and staff.
- Benefit from a global perspective, addressing contemporary worldwide issues, and will develop your intellectual capabilities and critical skills.
- Participate in mini conferences, research seminars and societies run by departments and the Students’ Guild around your subject(s) of interest and the student-run Liberal Arts Society.
Choose from a wide range of subjects across the university to major in
Top 10 in the UK for Liberal Arts
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Global model, developing skills valued by international employers
Work with external organisations to tackle a real-world issue through the core Think Tank module
Choose from a wide range of subjects across the university to major in
Top 10 in the UK for Liberal Arts
7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Global model, developing skills valued by international employers
Work with external organisations to tackle a real-world issue through the core Think Tank module
I knew I wanted to study subjects to do with humanities but didn’t want to be limited by a normal BA degree. I have been able to do lots of different modules before I zoned in on a major.
The diversity of my Liberal Arts degree means that I have met a lot of students and I’ve had various lecturers in the departments of English, Sociology, Criminology, French and many more.
Evidently the teaching at Exeter is phenomenal because I have decided to do a postgraduate Masters after my degree.
I would highly recommend choosing the University of Exeter, it is by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Read more from Cameryn, from Zimbabwe
Cameryn, from Zimbabwe
Studying BA Liberal Arts majoring in Sociology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | Dependent on subjects chosen |
| IB | 34/665 | Dependent on subjects chosen |
| BTEC | DDD | Dependent on subjects chosen |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | Dependent on Major subject chosen the required L3 credits in a subject area |
| T-Level | Distinction | Dependent on subjects chosen, GCE AL in a Modern Foreign Language will also be required. |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Subject requirements
Students selecting the following subjects as their Major need to meet specific entry requirements:
- Creative Writing - A Level grade B/IB HL5 in English Literature or English Literature & Language
- Economics - GCSE Mathematics grade A/7, or AS/A-Level Maths equivalent. No requirement for Economics to have been studied previously
- English - A Level grade B/IB HL5 in English Literature or English Literature & Language
- Geography (Physical) – A Level Grade B/IB HL5 in Science subject
- Geography (Human) – A Level Grade B/IB HL5 in Humanities or Social Science subject
- Management - GCSE grade B/5 in Maths
Completing your UCAS form
When completing your UCAS form you must indicate your proposed Major subject under ‘further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application. This helps us allocate space on your chosen subject.
| Anthropology | Ant |
| Arab and Islamic Studies/Middle Eastern Studies | AIS |
| Archaeology | Arc |
| Art History & Visual Culture | AHV |
| Classics and Ancient History | CAH |
| Creative Writing | CreWr |
| Criminology | Crim |
| Drama | Dram |
| Digital Humanities | Digital Hum |
| Economics | Eco |
| English | Eng |
| Film & Television Studies | FSt |
| Geography | Gg |
| History | His |
| International Relations | InR |
| Marketing/Management | MaM |
| Media and Communications | Com |
| Modern Languages | MoL |
| Philosophy | Phi |
| Politics | Pol |
| Sociology | Soc |
| Theology and Religion | TaR |
Course content
The Liberal Arts degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year. Core modules in Year 1 and 2 provide a strong foundation to equip you with a range of keys intellectual tools you can use throughout your degree and your future career. They create a backbone to your studies and are designed to instil a holistic approach to learning.
Your second year of study will enable you to consolidate your liberal arts foundations by furthering your critical tools and developing your intellectual abilities.
Your final year enables you to focus on your chosen Major and develop your academic specialism.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Stage 1 – 120 credits: 30 credits of compulsory Liberal Arts, 15 credits of compulsory modern or ancient language modules, a minimum of 30 compulsory credits in your prospective major, and up to 45 credits of optional modules
Your first year is designed to give you a strong foundation in the liberal arts by equipping you with a range of key intellectual tools that you can use throughout the rest of your degree and your working life after university. You will receive this foundation through the core 30 credit module: 'Liberal Arts: Being Human in the Modern World' which will give you a solid grounding in the skills, methods and principles of liberal learning. Alongside this module, you will also take at least 15 credits in an ancient or modern language.
Compulsory modules
Students will take one 30 credit core module 'Liberal Arts: Being Human in the Modern World', alongside at least 15 credits in either an ancient or modern language
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LIB1105 | Being Human in the Modern World | 30 |
Optional modules
At least 30 of your remaining credits will be studied in your prospective Major. You will still have the opportunity to explore your options and interests through studying optional modules from a broad range of subjects. Please note that to pursue some Majors you will be required to study core modules in the relevant discipline.
Please see the Liberal Arts module pages for more details on compulsory and optional modules for each subject.
Stage 2 – 120 credits: 15 credits of compulsory Liberal Arts, 60 compulsory credits in your prospective major, and 45 credits of optional modules.
Your second year of study will enable you to consolidate your liberal arts foundations by furthering your critical tools and developing your intellectual abilities. You will take the 15 credit Think Tank module, which is practice-based and will build directly on the previous year’s work, developing your research, teamwork and problem-solving skills. You will take at least 60 credits in your chosen Major but will also have the opportunity to continue with your languages acquisition (if you choose to) and to take optional modules from a broad range of subjects.
Please note that to pursue some Majors you will be required to study core modules in the relevant discipline.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LIB2000 | Think Tank | 15 |
Optional modules
At least 60 of your remaining credits will be studied in your Major specialism. You will still have the opportunity to explore your options and interests through studying optional modules in a broad range of subjects. Please note that to pursue some Majors you will be required to study core modules in the relevant discipline.
Please see the Liberal Arts module pages for more details on compulsory and optional modules for each subject.
Find out more about study abroad or employment experience under Course variants.
With Study Abroad
Students will spend the third year of their studies in a partner university on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution.
a You must choose only one module from this group : either HUM3999 or SSI3999
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE MA Liberal Arts HUM3999 or SSI3999 [see note a above] | ||
| HUM3999 | Year Abroad | 120 |
| SSI3999 | Year Abroad | 120 |
With Employment Experience
Students will spend the third year of their studies in a partner university on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution.
a You must choose only one module from this group : either HUM3999 or SSI3999
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE MA Liberal Arts HUM3999 or SSI3999 [see note a above] | ||
| HUM3999 | Year Abroad | 120 |
| SSI3999 | Year Abroad | 120 |
With Employment Experience Abroad
Students will spend the third year of their studies gaining relevant employment experience abroad.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HUM3997 | Employment Experience Abroad | 120 |
Stage 3 – 120 credits: 30 credits of a compulsory dissertation (in your major subject) 60 credits of modules in your chosen major, and 30 credits of optional modules.
Your final year enables you to focus on your chosen Major and develop your academic specialism. You will study a 30 credit dissertation in your chosen Major, alongside at least 60 credits worth of modules from your Major. This will still enable you to extend your skills and capabilities via studying optional modules in a broad range of subjects; this includes the opportunity to continue with your language acquisition (if you choose to).
Please note that to pursue some Majors you will be required to study core modules in the relevant discipline.
Please see the Liberal Arts module pages for more details on compulsory modules for each subject.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LIB3000 | Liberal Arts Dissertation OR Equivalent Dissertation in Major Subject | 30 |
Optional modules
At least 60 of your remaining credits will be studied in your Major specialism. You will still have the opportunity to explore your options and interests through studying optional modules in non Majors. Please note that to pursue some Majors you will be required to study some of their own core modules.
Please see the Liberal Arts module pages for more details on compulsory and optional modules for each subject.
Major subjects offered
There are a broad scope of subjects that are considered to fall within the Liberal Arts, but these are generally recognised to be topics within the humanities, as well as social sciences.
The Business School
- Economics
- Marketing and Management
Humanities
- Archaeology
- Art History & Visual Culture
- Classics and Ancient History
- Communications
- Creative Writing
- Digital Humanities
- Drama
- English
- Film & Television Studies
- History
- Modern Languages
- Theology and Religion
Life and Environmental Science
- Geography
Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Arab and Islamic Studies/Middle Eastern Studies
- Criminology
- International Relations
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Sociology
Course variants
UCAS code: LA97
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: LA94
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: LA95
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
The nature of learning at university, especially in the Humanities and Social Sciences, involves a lot of self-directed study and research. As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials, led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research, you will be encouraged to take the initiative by organising study groups, taking advantage of online and traditional learning resources, and managing your own time and workload. In core modules you will learn through analysis, questioning, discussion and debate, practical work, problem-solving, research projects and teamwork.
Team teaching
Given the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of the Liberal Arts programme, and to ensure you benefit from the exciting breadth and depth of expertise across the institution, we will also use team-teaching so that you can get the most out of Exeter’s collective expertise. This means that while modules will be convened and led by specialist academics, experts in other disciplines will deliver many lectures, seminars and workshops.
Innovative learning
We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including the increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment, where you can access detailed information about the programme, the modules and interact with your peers and lecturers through activities such as discussion forums.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a variety of methods, which will vary greatly depending on your academic choices. These could include coursework, exams, written reports or seminar presentations. You must pass your first-year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. The assessments in the second year, year abroad or year of employment experience (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification.
Where will I study?
All students will be able to use our Foreign Language Centre facilities and our Digital Humanities Lab.
The £1.2 million Digital Humanities Lab allows you to use cutting edge equipment to find out more about our cultural heritage and creative past and share your discoveries with your peers. In the space, you will have the opportunity to curate digital exhibitions, carry out 2D and 3D digitisation, create professional quality video/audio recordings, and participate in exciting research projects that utilise data in innovative new ways.
Find out more
View our Liberal Arts FAQs to learn more about studying Liberal Arts at Exeter.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Develop critical skills, experience, innovative attitudes and cultural intelligence valued by global employers. The Think-Tank module, taken in your second year, gives you direct experience working with employers and external organisations, researching real-life problems. Working in small groups or ‘think tanks’ you will explore a specific social, political or economic issue in the contemporary world. Enhance your analytical abilities by scrutinising academic research and your problem-solving skills by using this knowledge to help solve the challenge. Working alongside your contemporaries you’ll need to utilise good communication and will deploy oratory skills in the culminating presentation.
Employer visits
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Streatham Campus, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.
Career paths
Example careers:
- Campaigns Executive
- Charity Worker
- Fashion Events Producer
- Graduate Researcher
- Incident Manager
- Marketing and Communications Assistant
- Policy Adviser
- Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
- Research Associate
- Student Experience Officer
Recent Graduates now working for*:
- Ministry of Justice
- Teach First
- Explore Learning
- Lush Cosmetics
- Hotelplan
- University of Exeter
* This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Surveys 14/15, 15/16, and 16/17. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
