Liberal Arts (with a Foundation Year)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 10.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 16.8 k / Year(s)  
200 place StudyQA ranking:14451 Duration:48 months

Photos of university / #uniofeastanglia

A flexible and comprehensive introduction to the diverse world of liberal arts, this degree programme at the University of East Anglia offers students the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines, enhance their critical thinking, and develop valuable transferable skills. The Foundation Year provides a solid academic grounding for students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the arts, humanities, and social sciences but may lack specific qualifications or confidence to begin directly. During the Foundation Year, students engage with a broad range of subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies, which prepares them for the more specialised study in the subsequent years of the degree.

The full Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts programme is designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Throughout the course, students will undertake modules that develop analytical skills, written and oral communication, research proficiency, and a nuanced understanding of human societies and cultures. The programme encourages active engagement with contemporary issues, critical reflection, and independent thinking, preparing graduates for a wide variety of professions including education, media, public service, arts administration, and more.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in placements, projects, and collaborations that connect academic learning with real-world practical experiences. The academic staff at UEA are experienced scholars committed to supporting students’ individual development and academic success. The university’s modern facilities and vibrant campus life complement the academic journey, fostering an environment of creativity and inquiry.

Graduates of the Liberal Arts degree with a Foundation Year at UEA will leave equipped with a broad knowledge base, adaptable skills, and a global perspective. The degree aims to open doors to diverse career paths, postgraduate study opportunities, and lifelong learning. Whether students choose to specialise further or pursue interdisciplinary interests, this programme provides a strong foundation to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee
  • EUR 10550 Year (EEA)
  • EUR 16800 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students: £9,000. International Students: £14,400

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time Intensity Flexible

Course Content

Year 1

Level 0: The Foundation Year will help you to develop a variety of key study skills which will enable you to excel as an Undergraduate. You will take two compulsory modules totalling 60 credits, one beginners’ language module (20 credits) and two “defined choice” modules for a further 40 credits. Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies, politics and the history of art.

You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail at level 1 and above. After completing the Foundation Year you will be able to begin your continued study with confidence in your ability to learn and progress in Higher Education. Furthermore, the Foundation Year will allow you to develop a range of transferable skills such as communication, collegiality, time-management and language skills which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.

Year 2

Level 1: This year builds on the Foundation Year to give you a more detailed understanding of the skills and knowledge required to study the liberal arts. You will gain an appreciation of great literature through the study of books that have shaped our thinking and society. You will also be able to develop your foreign language skills, numeracy, reasoning and logic and visual analysis.

Year 3

Level 2: During your third year you are able to choose from a wide range of options that span the arts and humanities and social sciences. You will gain an appreciation of culture in the modern world in addition to optional modules designed to provide thorough research and practical training. Options include an extensive range of American studies, history, art, film and television, media, languages, creative writing, drama and literature, philosophy, culture and society, and politics modules. There is also the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or spend a semester on a work placement.

Year 4

Level 3: In your final year you take fewer modules but these are studied in greater depth enabling you to develop your knowledge and skills. Taught modules draw on staff research expertise and allow the student to engage with specialist subjects. In addition you will undertake a liberal arts dissertation with supervisory advice in an area in which you have developed an interest over your years of study. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills developed in the first two years.

During the Foundation Year will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to exercise different learning styles and familiarise you with the format and expectations of assessment in Higher Education. There will be a strong emphasis on formative assessment with feedback on drafts of written work and group tutorials which will help you to clearly see how you can improve and develop, enabling you to learn from your peers as well as teaching staff. This in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and become a more independent learner.

Your progress will be monitored through individual tutorials to ensure that you are happy on the course and achieving your full potential. You need to achieve a minimum of 40% overall with a pass in all modules in order to progress on to the Liberal Arts programme.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

  • A Level:
CCC
  • International Baccalaureate:
28 points
  • Scottish Highers:
Please contact institution for further information
  • Scottish Advanced Highers:
Please contact institution for further information
  • Irish Leaving Certificate:
Please contact institution for further information
  • Access Course:
Please contact institution for further information
  • HND:
Please contact institution for further information
  • European Baccalaureate:
60% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and no less than 5.5 in any component)
  • TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 19 in Writing, 18 in Listening components and 20 in Reading components.
  • PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing and 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you are studying the BTEC National Diploma please contact us for further information.

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship

    "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

  • Access Bursary

    Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

  • Alumni Bursary

    Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The undergraduate Liberal Arts program with a Foundation Year at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is designed to provide students with a broad and flexible education in the humanities and social sciences. This programme is ideal for students who wish to explore various disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, politics, and sociology, before specializing in a particular area in later years. The Foundation Year serves as an essential preparatory phase for students who may not meet the traditional entry requirements or who want to strengthen their academic skills before progressing to the full undergraduate degree.

Throughout the Foundation Year, students engage in a range of modules aimed at developing their academic literacy, critical thinking, and research skills. They are introduced to key concepts and methodologies across different disciplines, which lays a solid groundwork for further study. The curriculum includes modules on study skills, academic writing, and introductory courses in arts and social sciences, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the demands of higher education. Additionally, the Foundation Year provides an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with university life, resources, and support services at UEA.

Once the Foundation Year is completed successfully, students proceed to the first year of the Liberal Arts degree programme. The undergraduate degree emphasizes interdisciplinarity, allowing students to choose modules from a diverse array of subjects, thus fostering a well-rounded understanding of contemporary global issues and cultural contexts. The programme encourages critical analysis, independent thinking, and the development of a broad intellectual toolkit. Students can tailor their degrees according to their interests and career aspirations, selecting modules in areas such as creative writing, politics, history, sociology, or literature.

UGEA’s Liberal Arts programmes benefit from the university’s strong links to cultural institutions, libraries, and research centers, providing students with practical opportunities for internships, projects, and collaborative research. The university also promotes a vibrant student community with numerous extracurricular activities, societies, and events aimed at enhancing students' academic and personal development.

Graduates from the Liberal Arts with a Foundation Year at UEA are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including journalism, public service, education, cultural sectors, and further academic study. The programme’s emphasis on transferable skills such as communication, research, and problem-solving makes graduates competitive in a dynamic job market.

Overall, this programme offers an inclusive and flexible pathway into higher education for students seeking a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to their undergraduate studies, supported by a welcoming campus environment and exceptional academic resources at UEA.

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