BA Liberal Arts

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Liberal Arts at the University of Exeter offers students the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects across the humanities, social sciences, business, languages, and other disciplines while creating a degree pathway that matches their interests. This course is ideal for students who enjoy exploring different perspectives, understanding complex global issues, and developing the critical thinking, research, and communication skills needed for a variety of careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students are introduced to interdisciplinary learning and explore different subjects to build a broad academic foundation. The core module Being Human in the Modern World encourages students to examine society, culture, and human experiences from different viewpoints, while students also study modules from their chosen major subject and explore additional areas to develop a wider understanding of the world.

Year 2:
The second year allows students to develop their chosen area of specialisation while continuing to engage with different disciplines. Through the core module Think Tank, students work collaboratively to explore real-world challenges and develop skills in research, teamwork, and problem-solving, alongside further study in their major subject and optional modules.

Year 3:
In the final year, students deepen their knowledge within their chosen major and develop advanced research abilities. Students complete a Dissertation or equivalent research project, allowing them to investigate a topic of their choice in detail while applying the analytical and research skills developed throughout the course.

Optional Study Abroad / Employment Experience:
Students can extend their degree to four years by choosing either a Study Abroad year or an Employment Experience year. The Study Abroad option provides the opportunity to study at an overseas partner university, while the Employment Experience pathway allows students to gain professional experience through a graduate-level placement in the UK or abroad.

Focus Areas

Interdisciplinary studies, humanities, social sciences, business, economics, marketing, management, archaeology, history, modern languages, politics, anthropology, geography, culture, communications, creative writing, film studies, global issues, and research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to approach subjects from multiple perspectives, analyse complex information, conduct independent research, and communicate ideas effectively. The programme also builds valuable transferable skills including critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to understand and respond to global challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA Liberal Arts is designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional pathways by developing skills that employers value across different industries. Through interdisciplinary study, collaborative projects such as Think Tank, independent research, and opportunities for workplace experience, students gain skills relevant to careers in business, education, media, law, government, marketing, research, heritage, and creative industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter provides students with a globally recognised learning environment supported by research-led teaching and academic expertise across multiple disciplines. The flexible nature of the Liberal Arts degree helps graduates develop a broad skill set that is valued by employers across sectors, enabling them to pursue careers in areas such as business, finance, education, media, policy, heritage, and the creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Liberal Arts at the University of Exeter provides students with opportunities to apply their learning through interdisciplinary projects, research activities, professional experiences, and international opportunities. Students develop practical skills by combining subjects across areas such as humanities, social sciences, business, and languages, while making use of specialist facilities including the Digital Humanities Lab and Foreign Language Centre. The course encourages collaboration, creativity, and independent thinking through group projects, research activities, and career-focused experiences that help students connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges:

Think Tank collaborative projects: In the second year, students take the Think Tank module, where they work in groups to explore current social, political, and economic challenges. This project-based learning approach helps students develop teamwork, research, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
Digital Humanities Lab: Students have access to Exeter’s Digital Humanities Lab, a specialist facility that supports research and teaching through digital technologies. The lab provides opportunities to work with digital tools, 2D and 3D digitisation, digital exhibitions, audio and video production, and innovative methods for exploring culture and heritage.
Foreign Language Centre: Students can use the Foreign Language Centre to enhance their language abilities alongside their interdisciplinary studies. Developing language skills helps students improve communication, cultural awareness, and confidence for international careers.
Humanities in the Workplace module: Students can gain professional experience through the Humanities in the Workplace module, which allows them to apply their academic skills in a workplace setting. This experience helps students understand professional environments and develop skills valued by employers.
Study Abroad opportunities: Students can choose the four-year BA Liberal Arts with Study Abroad pathway and spend their third year studying at an overseas partner university. This opportunity helps students develop independence, adaptability, intercultural understanding, and a broader global perspective.
Employment Experience pathway: Students can choose the four-year BA Liberal Arts with Employment Experience option, which includes a graduate-level work placement in the UK or abroad. This allows students to gain practical workplace experience, strengthen their CV, and apply their interdisciplinary knowledge in a professional setting.
Research activities and academic events: Students can take part in research seminars, mini conferences, and academic societies, allowing them to engage with researchers, explore new ideas, and develop confidence in presenting and discussing their work.
University Library and digital resources: Students have access to Exeter’s extensive library collections, online research databases, digital learning resources, and academic support services that support independent research and interdisciplinary study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Liberal Arts at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities by developing flexible skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving across different disciplines. The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows students to build a unique academic profile, helping them progress into roles such as Policy Adviser, Marketing Executive, Research Associate, Communications Officer, Business Analyst, Graduate Researcher, and Recruitment Specialist across various sectors.

By combining academic study with practical experiences, professional development opportunities, and career support, students graduate with the confidence and adaptability needed to succeed in a changing employment landscape. Exeter helps students explore career options, build professional networks, and prepare for employment or further study through dedicated support and industry engagement:

Dedicated Careers Service: Students have access to Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides personalised careers guidance, mentoring, employability workshops, employer events, internship support, volunteering opportunities, and assistance with CVs, applications, and interview preparation. Students can also complete the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award to develop and demonstrate their employability skills.
Employment Experience opportunities: Students can choose the four-year BA Liberal Arts with Employment Experience pathway, which includes a graduate-level work placement in the UK or abroad. This allows students to apply their interdisciplinary knowledge in a professional environment, gain workplace experience, and strengthen their future career prospects.
Graduate career destinations: Graduates move into careers across business, finance, education, law, media, marketing, government, heritage, research, and creative industries. Previous graduate roles include Campaigns Executive, Charity Worker, Fashion Events Producer, Graduate Researcher, Incident Manager, Marketing and Communications Assistant, Policy Adviser, Research Associate, and Student Experience Officer.
University and employer connections: Students benefit from networking opportunities, career events, and employer engagement activities that help them understand different career pathways. Organisations such as Reuters, Deloitte, BBC, PwC, National Trust, British Council, and Taylor & Francis have engaged with Exeter students through career-related activities and opportunities.
Employment outcomes: The programme develops highly transferable skills including research, communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, independent thinking, and the ability to analyse complex issues. These skills allow graduates to adapt to different industries and pursue a variety of professional opportunities after graduation.
Long-term value of the degree: The broad and flexible nature of Liberal Arts provides graduates with skills that remain valuable throughout their careers. The ability to understand different perspectives, connect ideas across disciplines, and solve complex problems supports progression into leadership, specialist, and professional roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA Liberal Arts, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes that match their chosen interests and career goals. Possible progression routes include Master’s degrees in areas such as International Relations, Business Management, Marketing, Law, Education, Heritage and Museum Studies, Journalism, Translation, Politics, and other humanities or social science disciplines. Graduates may also pursue professional qualifications or training pathways in areas such as teaching, law, and management.