Why study Liberal Arts?

A degree in Liberal Arts 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 modules which you want to take, depending on your own background and interests. A degree in Liberal Arts 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.

As well as the BA Liberal Arts, there are other joint degree courses available which are administered by other departments:

Student Profiles

Jennifer Harrison, first-year 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 liberal arts 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 student

Having been brought up in Portugal 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 liberal arts student I had lots of options open to me. I chose to study international politics, Spanish language and social 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.

After graduating, I began my Human Resources Management certificate programme at University of California, Los Angeles. The academic background that I developed during my time at Essex, gave me vision to pursue this amazing field, where career development is endless. I am proud to be an Essex graduate and will cherish my memories forever!

Jaide Mead, graduate student

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.

Olivia Bamford, BA Humanities/Liberal Arts '09

After graduating, Olivia began working in museums. She has since decided to train to become an art teacher.  

BA Humanities/Liberal Arts at Essex was a unique course in that it allowed me to choose different modules from a range of subjects which meant I could tailor my course to things I was particularly interested in. All the staff were incredibly supportive and I felt in control of my own learning; they were responsive to ideas which meant you felt valued.  

After I graduated I secured an apprenticeship working with North Hertfordshire Museum Service. I helped run workshops in various primary and secondary schools and for adult learning covering many historical periods as well as many other subjects, which was amazing. It was always busy and varied which was perfect for me. I am now applying to study a PGCE to become an art teacher; I loved studying the art history modules at Essex so much that I’m very keen to teach others about it. Maybe if I had not done such a flexible degree this would not have been as easy to undertake this transition.

Careers information

Employers know that Liberal Arts 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 Liberal Arts 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 Liberal Arts 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.