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Liberal Arts BA (LA99)

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Explore our Liberal Arts degree at Warwick

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Liberal Arts

95.7% Overall satisfaction for Liberal Arts students at Warwick (The National Student Survey 2021)

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We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

2a

LA99

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Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with intercalated year

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26 September 2022

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Department of Liberal Arts

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University of Warwick

3a

Liberal Arts at Warwick is a way of approaching what matters most to you. You will draw on knowledge from a range of disciplines to address complex problems, including those in the humanities and social sciences. You will design your degree by choosing a pathway, closely supported by our expert tutors. This course balances breadth and depth, giving you flexibility with your module choices whilst ensuring you graduate with specific expertise in your area of interest.

3b

On this unique degree we will encourage you to think independently as you work with experts from across the University. You will create critical responses to both problems in the contemporary world and problems in different times and places. This course is ideal for students interested in taking charge of their own learning and becoming leaders in and outside of the classroom.

The core modules on this course are led by tutors with a passion for liberal education. Using a Problem-Based Learning approach, these modules focus on investigating issues from different disciplinary perspectives. You will learn how to analyse problems and you will investigate and evaluate evidence and interpretations. We will also encourage you to develop your own responses. The core modules will help you to build a toolkit of primary and secondary research skills. They will also prepare you to engage with confidence in different modules across the University.

At the end of the first year, you will choose a pathway. Your pathway allows you to select modules that give you the knowledge, skills, and expertise to be a leader in your area of interest. We will work with you to guide and support your decision about which pathway to follow. We understand that your interests will develop over time, so there is scope to adapt your pathway.

We believe that the skills you develop during your degree are as important as the course content. You will have the opportunity to complete co-curricular certificates and work placements. These will help you develop your professional skills, giving you the edge when it comes to your employability. You will also have the support of our dedicated Employability and Placement Manager, who will provide one-to-one careers guidance.

If you want to broaden your perspective by studying overseas, we can support you to apply for a year's study abroad. You will also have the option to complete a year-long work placement. Students are automatically enrolled on the three-year course. You will have the option to change to a four-year course with an intercalated year in the third year. The intercalated year spent studying abroad or on work placement is subject to departmental academic requirements.

3c

In the first year you will study four core modules:

You will also have the opportunity to take the optional core module, Quantitative Methods for Undergraduate Research. This module is a requirement for certain pathways in Year Two, such as Economics. It will act as a prerequisite for advanced analytical modules.

The rest of the first year will consist of optional modules. These modules could be from within the Liberal Arts Department or from across the University. Some of the first-year optional modules you will choose from are 'required core optional modules’. These modules must be passed to proceed on your specified pathway in Year Two.

At the end of the first year you will choose a pathway. There are two types of pathways: Specialist Interest or Disciplinary Interest. Our Specialist Interest pathways are open to your interpretation. You are free to pursue your interests, whatever they might be. We will work closely with you to help you design a pathway that enables you to study the areas that you want to explore. Examples of Specialist Interest pathways designed by our students include: Apocalyptic Studies, Business Ethics, Communications, Critical Sports Studies, Culture and Identity, Health and Human Society, Social Justice, Sustainability, and Visual Cultures.

Alternatively, if your passions lie in a particular subject, you may choose a Disciplinary Interest pathway. You will select your optional modules exclusively from one of our partner departments. Our partner departments are Classics and Ancient History, Economics, Education, English, Film and Television Studies, History, Languages, Life Sciences, Philosophy, and Theatre and Performance Studies. Read more about our pathways.

In the second year you will study two core modules (comprising half of your workload):

The remaining modules in the second year will be from your chosen pathway. Depending on your pathway, you may need to study certain modules to fulfil the pathway requirements.

In the final year you will complete the core dissertation/practical project. Your remaining modules will be from your chosen pathway. Depending on your pathway, you may need to study certain modules to fulfil the pathway requirements.

3d

In Liberal Arts we use a unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. This is where you understand a topic by examining complex problems from a variety of perspectives. You will then develop your own distinctive stance on that problem. Students are co-creators of knowledge in the classroom.

All of the core modules are delivered using PBL workshops, which are defined by the independent research conducted by students. There are no formal lectures. Instead, you will spend your time in the classroom debating, framing, and presenting research questions/responses. This is an active learning method that relies on your specific interests. Therefore, the content we teach (explored through in-depth case studies) changes depending on the student cohort.

Optional modules from across the University may involve lectures, seminars, tutorials, and/or laboratories. You will be taught by tutors from different disciplines. We will support you to bring together these various approaches in a way that makes sense to you.

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Modules in the Liberal Arts Department typically range from 4 to 18 students per class. Most of the core modules have around 8 to 18 students per class.

Students taking pathway modules in other departments may find themselves in more varied class sizes.

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Contact hours vary depending on your pathway modules. A Liberal Arts student can typically expect between 8 and 12 contact hours a week, including pathway modules. You may have more than 12 hours, depending on your module choices. Module offerings in other departments may involve different contact hours per week.

Core Liberal Arts modules in the first and second year consist of one two-hour workshop per week. Much of our teaching takes place over two terms. Most year-long modules each have around 44 hours of teaching time. We also offer regular out-of-classroom activities, including film screenings, skills sessions, discussion groups, reading groups, and field trips (COVID-19 allowing).

In addition, across terms 1 and 2 of the first year you will attend ten one-hour sessions as part of an introductory module (Liberal Arts: Principles and Praxis).

The final-year core dissertation module usually involves five hours of lectures and 12 supervision sessions across three terms.

Co-curricular certificates

We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development. In the first year, you can complete certificates in Digital Literacy, Sustainability Consultancy (Auditing), and Professional Communication.

Explore our range of certificates

3g

Assessments in the Liberal Arts Department will enable you to develop your expertise in addressing different kinds of problems. You will do so by using a variety of perspectives from the arts, sciences, and social sciences. You will learn how to use a range of research methods. This will equip you with a foundation from which you can approach problems critically and creatively. Consequently, the range of assessments combines the traditional (essays and written examinations) with the innovative (creative projects, portfolios, and performance).

Our assessments are designed to be authentic learning experiences, not barriers. Few single assessments are worth more than half of a module’s total mark. Assessment types vary to support the development of a range of academic and professional skills.

Assessment methods will differ according to the optional modules that you choose from across the University. For example, if you take modules in the School of Life Sciences as part of your pathway, you may undertake laboratory-based assessments.

Assessments in each year of the degree contribute to the degree classification. For the three-year degree, the marks for each year are used to determine the degree classification. A 10%:40%:50% weighting is typically applied for Year One, Year Two, and Year Three. For the four-year degree (with a year abroad or on work placement), a 10%:40%:0%:50% weighting is typically applied for Year One, Year Two, Year Three, and Year Four.

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Study abroad

It is not compulsory to study abroad as part of the Liberal Arts degree. However, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. We have exclusive partnerships with specialist Liberal Arts colleges in Europe and Canada:

Amsterdam University College (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Concordia University (Montréal, Canada)
Jacobs University (Bremen, Germany)
Leiden University College (The Hague, Netherlands)
Leuphana University, (Lüneburg, Germany)
University College Freiburg (Freiburg, Germany)

By studying at one of our partners, you will gain an appreciation of the approach taken to liberal education by another leading institution. You can spend a full year studying at one of these specialist colleges. This year will not contribute towards the overall grade of your degree, however, it will be recorded on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).

During your study abroad experience, you will develop knowledge and understanding of a different culture. Although the teaching is in English at our partner institutions, it is anticipated that you will acquire some foreign language ability.

You may alternatively opt to study abroad at one of the University of Warwick's partner institutions.

For more information about studying abroad please see our Study Abroad pages.

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Placements and work experience

We encourage you to undertake a work placement as part of your degree. This will enable you to develop your skills in a professional environment. It is an opportunity to apply theory to practice and learn from industry professionals. The two work placement options are:

1. Year-long work placement

You will complete a four-year degree and your work placement will take place in your third year. The work placement can take place in or outside the UK and will be formally recognised on your Higher Education Achievement Report.

2. Short work placement

We also support students to undertake shorter work placements throughout the year.

Our students have been successful in securing work placements with employers from the private, public, and third sectors. These employers include research institutions, governmental bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), media organisations, fashion companies, environmental consultancies, financial consultancies, and many others. They have undertaken diverse roles such as Marketing Assistant, Researcher, Project Officer, and Editor.

4a

A level typical offer

AAA.

A level additional information

You will also need grade C or grade 4 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

We make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances at ABB, plus grade C or grade 4 in English and Mathematics at GCSE (see below).

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

4b

IB typical offer

38 to include English and Mathematics.

IB contextual offer

General GCSE requirements

4c

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.

You will also need grade C or grade 4 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

5a

Year One

Principles and Praxis

This is your introduction to the history, thinking, and values behind liberal education (principles) and what we do in the classroom (praxis). You will begin to think beyond the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines. We will question the purpose and outcomes of learning itself. You will consider how education can be a key step towards achieving freedom (broadly defined).

Art and Revolution

On this module you will explore the ways in which art (the things we make) prompts, predicts, or responds to revolutions across history. You will learn how to apply a range of research skills to generate original approaches to complex revolutions. You will also delve into the things we make in relation to moments of crisis and change.

Science, Society and the Media

How is scientific knowledge generated? How is it different from the knowledge generated in the Humanities and Social Sciences? How is it transmitted to the public? To what extent do political, financial, philosophical, and linguistic frameworks transform that knowledge?

This module will explore the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge. You will look at a range of materials including science fiction and news reports. The module will support you in reflecting on received wisdom regarding society’s understanding of science. You will consider how you can productively intervene in public discourse on scientific topics. No scientific academic background is required!

Qualitative Methods for Undergraduate Research

From LGBTQ+ oral histories to ethnographies of car subcultures, from 19^th century diaries to 1980s zines, from Shakespeare to Childish Gambino. Researchers in the arts, humanities and social sciences engage with a wide range of sources.

This module introduces you to methodologies used in social, historical, and cultural research. Qualitative research asks “why” and “how”, rather than “how many". You will critically engage with theoretical debates, putting your learning into practice by conducting primary research. You will use historical archives, interviews, and creative works. The hands-on research assignments in this module link to other core modules, so activities will always be relevant to your studies.

Read more about the Qualitative Methods for Undergraduate Research moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021/22 year of study).

Quantitative Methods for Undergraduate Research (core for quantitative pathways)

(Optional core module)

How can we use quantitative data to understand the world around us? This module will introduce you to the foundations of quantitative analysis and the principles of quantitative research, descriptive statistics and data visualisation. You will begin to consider how we can use data at our disposal to draw conclusions about the wider world.

This is an introductory module - you do not need to have studied Maths at A level (or equivalent). This module is a requirement for certain pathways in Year Two, such as Economics. It will act as a prerequisite for more advanced analytical modules.

Year Two

Sustainability

How do we define and understand sustainability? What are the opportunities and limitations in individual and collective action? What part do businesses and globalisation play in sustainability? How can we ensure the sustainability of the population and society?

On this module you will study sustainability challenges as complex interdisciplinary issues. You will have the freedom to explore different topics from a variety of disciplinary approaches. We will help you develop a detailed evidence-based understanding of current controversies, debates and theories. You will build the confidence to explore feasible policy approaches in the sustainability sphere.

Consumption

Consumption connects the local and the global. It is at the core of our lives: from our food to our clothes, to our cultural and leisure activities, to the services we use. On this module you will examine the role consumption plays in contemporary and historical societies. You will explore how consumption operates as an organising social force through the analysis of film, literature, music, advertisements, branding, case studies, social research and critical theory.

Year Three

Dissertation/Final Project

The dissertation is a year-long project marking the culmination of your degree. You will design and carry out a significant piece of original research. This is the ideal opportunity for you to showcase what you have learned and what you can do next. You will make a real contribution to an area of academic study, a policy debate, or a community issue of importance to you. You will draw on experts from across the University and you will work with a dedicated advisor who can help you achieve your project goals.

5b

Liberal Arts

The optional modules you select will be dependent on the pathway you choose.

Utopia: Text, Theory, Practice (Liberal Arts)
Posthumous Geographies I: Underworlds (Liberal Arts)
Posthumous Geographies II: Paradises (Liberal Arts)
Quantitative Research Methods: Understanding Relationships in Data (Liberal Arts)
An Introduction to Design Thinking Theory and Practice (Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning)
Critical Security Studies (Politics and International Studies)
Being Human: Human Nature from the Renaissance to Freud (History)
Introduction to Art History: The Natural World and the Arts of Modernity (History of Art)
Economics 1 (Economics)
Molecules, Cells and Organisms (Life Sciences)
Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development (Global Sustainable Development)

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ad93: For the following IFP streams we will issue a guaranteed offer for the Liberal Arts degree: Business Management, Psychology, Social Science, Arts & Humanities and Law & Politics.

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