Why study Humanities?
A degree in Humanities offers you a unique opportunity to study many different disciplines and embrace the many different kinds of knowledge that provide the basis for world civilisations, while at the same time developing your powers of self-expression and critical thinking.
You can combine the pleasure of studying great works of art or literature with the satisfaction of developing a deeper understanding of the histories and cultures of different societies. You can learn a new language (or improve your proficiency in a language you already know) at the same time as addressing some of the deeper philosophical questions that have exercised the great thinkers through the ages.
The choice is yours: you decide the precise mix of courses which you want to take, depending on your own background and interests. A degree in Humanities provides an ideal forum for you to experiment with new subjects, secure in the knowledge that there are more than 100 modules to choose from, making it the course with the most choice and flexibility of any on campus. We encourage further experiment by taking advantage of all the wonderful exchange opportunities to study abroad in the third year - either for a semester or the whole year.
There is also a joint degree course BSc Mathematics & Humanities.
Student Profiles
Jennifer Harrison, first-year BA Humanities student
I chose to study at Essex because I was impressed by the campus environment and facilities on offer. I also thought that Colchester was a beautiful town, which has everything you need, only a short bus ride away. The most important factor, however, was the uniqueness of the humanities course which enables me to tailor its structure to suit my own interests. I was surprised at being able to develop my German language skills alongside contemporary sociology modules.
I believe the diverse range of modules on offer will prepare me well for my future career. Although I am still undecided as to what I want to do, I know that I am gaining the skills and experiences that will enhance my adaptability. As I continue to construct my course, I feel well equipped to access a wide range of career paths.
Living on campus, and making so many new friends, is enriching my knowledge about the world in a way I didn’t expect. The multicultural environment at Essex definitely makes it a special place to be.
Danielle de Moura, third-year BA Humanities student
I’m from Portugal and it definitely took a few months to completely adjust to living away from home and learning how to deal with my independence. Academically, I found it challenging because I’ve never had to write an essay before, but I was very proud when I realised I was exceeding my expectations.
As a humanities student I had lots of options open to me. I chose to study politics, language and anthropology in depth. I particularly enjoyed the Enlightenment module which was thoroughly interesting; the International Relations module because I learnt to critically evaluate the world we live in; and the Anthropology module because I was able to assess what is said to be right or wrong in society.
Jaide Mead, BA Humanities
After graduating, Jaide continued at Essex and is now studying MA Psychosocial Studies.
Studying at Essex gave me the choice and diversity that I wanted from an undergraduate course. The Centre was fantastic and I could not have asked for more supportive people to help me settle in, guide me and answer all of my questions.
I was also able to branch out and study modules from several departments. My personal favourites were The History of Sexuality in America and the sociology modules on native American life and anthropology, which were both really engaging; they offered me an insight into other cultures.
In my second year I studied the module Psychodynamic Counselling with Children and Young Adults, which introduced me to psychoanalytic thinking. This really interested me and motivated me to continue studying. My current course, MA Psychosocial Studies, allows me to pursue my interests in psychoanalysis, whilst maintaining a multidisciplinary approach, as it incorporates sociological theory as well.
Careers information
Employers know that Humanities graduates tend to be articulate, literate and cultured, with a high degree of general knowledge and for this reason their career prospects are good. A Humanities degree can lead to a wide variety of careers in (e.g.) teaching, the media, journalism, tourism, publishing, local government, voluntary agencies or research. Many employers prefer to recruit students with a broad-based liberal arts education (and provide them with vocational training during their first year at work), rather than recruit students who have specialised in a very narrow discipline. A Humanities degree also provides a good basis for pursuing further vocational training, e.g., in administration, librarianship, finance, management, etc. it is also an excellent platform for postgraduate study in a wide range of fields.
More information about Careers.