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Liberal Arts

Entry requirements


A level

A,A,A

Typical Offer: AAA 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: AAB and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. The following specific additional requirements for particular pathways apply. Archaeology N/A Criminology N/A English A level in an essay writing subject* Film A level in an essay writing subject* French A level French German A level German History A level in an essay writing subject* Linguistics A level in an essay writing subject* Music A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard** Philosophy N/A Politics N/A Portuguese A level Portuguese or equivalent previous learning experience Sociology N/A Spanish A level Spanish * Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. ** 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 or Grade 8 Music practical 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.

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit Our preferred subjects are: Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. 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.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,D3,D3

D3 D3 D3 in three principal subjects Our preferred subjects are: Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. 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.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

36

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level Our preferred subjects are: Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. 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): 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 Admissions Office for more information.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 Our preferred subjects are: Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DD

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in two A levels Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. 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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma Our preferred subjects are Philosophy, History, English, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Sociology, Government and Politics. 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.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

A

AAA from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Preferred subjects are:Classical Civilisation, Criminology, English Language and Literature, English Language, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Geography, History, Law, Latin, Modern European Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects. 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.

UCAS Tariff

144

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Liberal arts

Understand the world in all its cultural, ethical and political complexity. In this liberal arts degree you can study subjects across the arts, humanities, and social sciences, examining questions about our place in the world and our ability to change it.

A liberal arts degree provides the well-rounded perspective that so many of the world’s most important challenges require. You’ll choose topics according to your interests, and develop the skills to tackle problems with a variety of methods and from different perspectives. These skills will place you in an excellent position for a successful career or further study.

You'll gain expertise in the subjects that interest you most through your choice of a dedicated pathway on this course. You can choose a pathway subject from the following areas:

Arts: film or music
Humanities: archaeology, english, history, linguistics, or philosophy
Languages: french, german, portuguese, or spanish
Social sciences: criminology, politics, or sociology

When completing your UCAS form you must indicate your proposed pathway subject under ‘further details’ in the ‘choices’ section of the application. This helps us allocate space on your chosen subject.

Year in industry
You may also be eligible to apply to undertake the University’s Year in Employment. (YIE). This offers you a great opportunity to complete a work placement between Year 2 and Year 3 of your degree and will help you develop work-based skills. You can choose a placement in any sector you like, whether it’s aligned to your degree or in a completely new area of interest.

Year abroad
This course includes a study abroad year at one of our partners in Europe, North America, Australia or Asia. This is a fantastic way to broaden your cultural horizons, take on new challenges, and add International experience to your CV.

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

Modules

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.

You can see full module information here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/liberal-arts-degree-ba#modules

Assessment methods

The learning activities for this course include the following:

- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£22,300
per year
International
£22,300
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Philosophy

Read full university profile

What students say


How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Mathematics

Sorry, no information to show

This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.


Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

78%
UK students
22%
International students
68%
Male students
32%
Female students
89%
2:1 or above
8%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
A
A

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Mathematics

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£25,000
med
Average annual salary
93%
med
Employed or in further education

Top job areas of graduates

27%
Business, finance and related associate professionals
23%
Business, research and administrative professionals
9%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals

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You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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