How is liberal arts different?
An interdisciplinary approach
We make connections across subject areas to:
- give you an ability to see the world from multiple perspectives
- understand the complexity of our social, political, cultural and economic environment
- solve problems.
We call this being interdisciplinary and it's at the heart of studying liberal arts.
For example to understand issues concerning society’s attitudes to a global issue such as climate change, we need to assess:
- the traditions present within social life
- the relationship between people and governments
- attitudes towards consumerism
- the values we place on the environment.
That’s history, sociology, politics and philosophy. Combining these different approaches gives you a unique perspective and helps generate innovative solutions.
Guide to being interdisciplinary
Our guide suggests books to read, websites to explore, blogs to listen to and activities to try to help you develop an interdisciplinary approach.
Download our Guide to being interdisciplinary
Individual programmes
Get your specialisms recognised
With Liberal Arts you can study widely or choose to concentrate on a few subjects. If you take 90 credits or more in a single subject over the course of your degree you can have that shown on your final degree certificate. You'll be able to demonstrate to potential employers not only your breadth of interdisciplinary skills but also your depth of knowledge in a particular subject.
For example, if you are particularly interested in political ideas you could take two modules every year from the School of Politics offer plus two in other subjects (these could be politics-related from History or Philosophy say, or any other subject that interests you). By the end of your degree you'll have taken 120 credits of Politics modules and so you're final degree can show as "BA (Hons) Liberal Arts (Politics)".
You can also make your module choices mainly from the Humanities or Social Sciences and have this reflected in your final degree title in the same way.
Personalised support
This flexibility and choice is a new approach for many people. Using their experience and contacts across the university our liberal arts academics will work closely with you to look at the best options available to achieve your goals.
A new learning environment
Our liberal arts academics use innovative teaching techniques which emphasise student involvement and personalised one-to-one supervision.
Collaboration across disciplines is key. You will bring your own unique perspective to solving problems in small groups.
You will be encouraged to see all of our campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia as your classroom for a truly global perspective.
We'll also help you move out of the classroom and get real-world experience through placements, internships and projects and the Nottingham Advantage Award.
Sample timetable
Every liberal arts student's timetable will look different but the example shows how a typical one might look.
Non-timetabled hours will involve your own reading, writing, research and tutorial preparation.
Alternative assessments
Alongside traditional assessment methods (such as exams, presentations and essays) you’ll be encouraged to present your work in innovative and diverse ways. This might include:
- design a website
- film a video
- write a blog
- report on a research collaboration
- create an exhibition.
We’ll support a flexible approach to assessment and encourage you to think differently and design unique solutions.