Course summary
Human knowledge in the modern world is commonly divided into disciplines such as literature, art, history, politics and the sciences. The BA Liberal Arts embraces the different perspectives of these disciplines to help you gain deeper knowledge about the world and its interconnections. It allows you to design your own truly interdisciplinary programme according to your interests and strengths. From a solid spine of critical skills modules you will branch out into a breadth of different subjects. You can choose from literature, theatre studies and creative writing, film and media, modern languages, art, history, geography, law and criminology, management, philosophy, politics, psychology of education and psychosocial studies, to build a degree which will fulfil your intellectual potential and develop your employability. Employers highly value the core analytical, critical and communication skills a liberal arts degree will give you. It will also prepare you for further study at master's or PhD level. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Highlights
- Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.
- During your studies you can apply to take part in a competitive Industry Placement module, which offers you the opportunity to spend a term working in an arts-related organisation or arts-related role.
- arts administrator
- journal/newspaper editor
- museum/gallery curator
- higher education lecturer
- community arts worker.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
A combination of essays and examinations, and a final-year dissertation of 7000 words.
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Successful completion of a Certificate of Higher Education in Journalism, Film and Media Studies, Media Practice or History of Art can reduce your full-time BA degree studies at Birkbeck by up to one year.
Additional entry requirements
Admission tests
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
Applicants are selected by application and may also be asked to provide a sample of written work or to attend an interview.
Unistats information
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6935 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6935 | Year 1 |
| International | £12015 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Clearing contact details
Clearing Enquiry formAdmissions Office
020 3907 0700
Additional information
Our Clearing hotline opens at 8.30am on Tuesday 10th August until 6pm and 9am on Wednesday 11th August until 6pm. From Thursday 12th August our phone lines will be open 10.30 - 6pm (Mon-Thur) and 10.30 -5pm (Fri). Virtual Clearing Event - http://www.bbk.ac.uk/events/
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700