About this course

A Liberal Arts degree at Southampton gives you the freedom to explore ideas across the arts, humanities and social sciences while specialising in a subject that interests you most.

On this BA Liberal Arts you’ll examine cultural, ethical and political questions that shape our world, while developing the ability to analyse complex issues from different perspectives.

Choose your pathway

You’ll specialise through a pathway subject, while continuing to study across a range of disciplines. Pathway options include:

Arts: film or music
Humanities: archaeology, English, history, linguistics, or philosophy
Languages: French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish
Social sciences: criminology, politics, or sociology

Alongside the core modules in your pathway subject, you’ll choose optional modules from across liberal arts and other subjects available on your degree.

This flexible structure allows you to shape your studies around your interests while gaining a broad academic perspective.

Skills for a wide range of futures

Studying across disciplines helps you develop transferable skills including:

critical thinking
research and analysis
communication across different fields
the ability to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives

These skills prepare you for careers in areas such as policy, media, cultural organisations, education and international organisations, as well as postgraduate study.

Applying with a pathway

When completing your UCAS application, list your pathway subject under ‘Further details’ in the ‘Choices’ section. This helps us allocate places on your preferred subject.

Year in industry

You may be eligible to apply for the University’s Year in Employment (YIE). This allows you to complete a work placement between Year 2 and Year 3 of your degree.

A placement helps you develop professional experience and workplace skills before you graduate. You can choose a placement in any sector, either related to your degree or in a different area that interests you.

Year abroad

This course includes the option for a study abroad year at one of our partners in Europe, North America, Australia or Asia.

Studying abroad allows you to experience a different academic environment, develop intercultural understanding and gain international experience alongside your degree.

It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and enhance your employability within the global marketplace.

Flexible study

Some students choose part-time study for professional, financial or personal reasons. This course offers both full-time and part-time study options.

full-time undergraduate degrees are usually completed in 3 years.
part-time students study the same course content over a longer period, typically between 4 and 8 years.

For more information, see flexible study.

Study BA Liberal Arts at University of Southampton

Discover how a liberal arts degree gives you the freedom to explore what interests you, build a broad range of skills, and develop your own perspective on the world.

Course locations

This course is based at Avenue and Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2026-27 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

In all cases, the following specific additional requirements for particular pathways apply.
French A level French
German A level German
Music A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Portuguese A level Portuguese or equivalent previous learning experience
Spanish A level Spanish

** Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology. We do not accept Music Technology as meeting our Music subject requirement. We can accept a pass in Grade 5 Music Theory where Music is not studied as an accepted Level 3 qualification. This applies to all BTEC Music courses and similar including UAL and Rockschool. We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: BBB from 3 A levels

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with overall score of 34 points with 17 at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A levels.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in an A level, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from 2 further A levels.

BTEC contextual

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This degree offers you an excellent foundation in liberal arts and expertise in a subject area of your choice. There is also the option to study abroad for a year or spend a year in employment between year 2 and year 3. You can choose to study this course full time or part time.

Year 1 overview

You'll take two compulsory liberal arts modules where you'll explore and critically evaluate:

differences between the sciences and humanities
unique challenges in studying human beings
questions about the nature of truth and objectivity

You'll also take two or three compulsory modules in your pathway subject. Finally, you'll choose further modules from at least two other subjects available in the degree. At the end of your first year, you'll choose two of these additional subjects to continue with in your second and third years. Alternatively, you can replace one of them with a language option.

Year 2 overview

Through the core liberal arts module in the second year, you'll build on your understanding of ideas and issues surrounding:

human nature
culture
the relationship between the self and society

You'll also study more specialist knowledge in your chosen pathway subject. Finally, you'll choose module options from the two additional subjects you chose at the end of year one.

In the second year you'll also have the opportunity to take a year out to study abroad or do in a year in employment. Further details and the requirements needed for these can be found on the modules page.

Year 3 overview

You'll deepen your study and complete an independent dissertation in your pathway subject. You'll also take further modules in your pathway, as well as further options in your additional subjects.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Creativity
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

local and national government,

Teaching and Education,

Media and Broadcasting,

Heritage and museums,

Publishing,

Advertising, PR and marketing,

Charities and non-governmental organisations.

Careers directly related to this course:

Civil servant
Policy advisor
Development coordinator
Public relations manager
Logistics analyst
Human resources manager
Data analyst
Management consultant
Marketing executive

Wider career opportunities:

Governance officer
Financial analyst
Teacher
Journalist
Translator
Mediator

Example job titles of Southampton BA Liberal Arts graduates*:

Account executive
Commercial analyst
Digital marketing assistant
Energy specialist
Fundraising and marketing assistant
Trainee accountant
Human resources administrator
Local government officer
Paralegal
Researcher

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £25,500.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

Liberal Arts (BA)

About this course

Choose your pathway

Skills for a wide range of futures

Applying with a pathway

Year in industry

Year abroad

Flexible study

Study BA Liberal Arts at University of Southampton

Learn more about these subject areas

Philosophy

Politics and international relations

Course locations

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

BTEC contextual

Access to HE Diploma

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

Your modules

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

Year 1 modules

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Common Practice Tonality Fundamentals

Comparative Politics

Elements of Linguistics - Sound, Structure and Meaning

Engaging Political Ideas

English on the Move

Ethics

Exploring Other Cultures

French Language Stage 4

German Language Stage 4

Historical Perspectives: Deviance, Conflict, Censure and Control

History Matters (Object, Image, Text)

Human Understanding and Understanding Humans

Inequalities in Everyday Worlds

Interrogating Crime: An Introduction to Criminology

Introduction to Film 1: Form, Style and Analysis

Introduction to Film II: European Cinema

Introduction to French and Francophone Studies

Introduction to German Studies

Introduction to International Relations

Key Thinkers and Big Ideas: Foundations in Social Theory

Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past

Language, Ideologies and Attitudes

Music in Context 1

Music in Context 2