Liberal Arts and Sciences
This is the name of a degree style commonly taught in the USA (and American Schools in Europe) where students study a wide range of subjects initially and then declare a major subject part way through.
In the UK there are several universities offering a ‘Liberal Arts’ or ‘Arts & Sciences’ degree. Each university has chosen a different structure but all the courses enable students to combine a number of different subjects and study a wider breadth whilst still having a ‘major’ field of study.
Many Dutch Universities have University Colleges attached to their institution where a ‘Liberal Arts & Science’ curriculum is taught with a similar philosophy to the USA. Each college offers a different range of subjects and often has an area they specialize in.
Almost all Canadian Universities offer a Bachelor or Arts and/or a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, which gives you similar freedom in class choice and some Colleges teach a Liberal Arts Curriculum.
Typically ‘Liberal Arts’ colleges and courses have smaller class sizes and more contact time with academics. In the UK and Europe this has made them competitive and prestigious programmes to gain a place on.
Good to Know
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Campus | Institution Name | Country | Campus Style | Institution Size | Selectivity | Education Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | University of Birmingham | UK, UAE | Our campus is just outside of the city centre of Birmingham, 7 minutes from our train station. | Very Large Institution >30,000 | Selective (25-50% admitted) | We are a Russell Group university which hosts outstanding teaching and learning on campus. |
 | Brunel University London | UK | Suburban Campus | Medium Institution 5000-15,000 | Selective (25-50% admitted) Admissions rate varies by subjects, with Medicine and Healthcare subjects extremely selective | Liberal Arts and Science (Major/minor Model), Integrated or Thematic degrees, Researched Focused Institution, Teaching Focused Institution |
Durham University | UK | Given the collegiate nature of the university, we are both in the city centre and outside of it. | Large Institution 15,000-30,000
A high volume of applications means a number of programmes can be more selective than others | Extremely Selective (<10% admitted) | Single Subject Focus (Joint degrees available), Liberal Arts and Science (Major/minor Model), Integrated or Thematic degrees, Researched Focused Institution, Vocationally Focused Institution (multiple integrated internships) | |
 | ESCP Business School | UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland | City Campus | Medium Institution 5000-15,000 | Highly Selective (10-25% admitted) - Grades are as important to us as your extra-curriculars and international experience | Business Management School |
 | University of Essex | UK | Suburban Campus | Large Institution 15,000-30,000 | Selective (25-50% admitted) | Single Subject Focus (Joint degrees available), Researched Focused Institution, Teaching Focused Institution |
 | Lafayette College | USA | A small city with big charm, Easton is a hot spot for shows, food, festivals, trails, and more. | Small Institution <5000 | Selective (25-50% admitted) ~30% acceptance rate | Lafayette blends liberal arts and engineering, with a keen focus on interdisciplinary studies. |
University of Lancaster | UK, Germany, Ghana | UK Rural Campus 15 minutes bus ride from the City centre of Lancaster.
Ghana and Germany - City Campus | Medium Institution 5000-15,000 | Selective (25-50% admitted) | We are one of the few universities to offer a major/minor system for the majority of our courses. This means that students will apply for a major subject through UCAS, then upon arrival choose an additional minor subject. Students will then study both of these subjects for their first year. | |
Minerva University | USA, South Korea, India, Germany, Argentina, UK and Taiwan. | Safe, welcoming residences in dynamic urban environments | Small Institution <5000 | Extremely Selective (<10% admitted) - https://www.minerva.kgi.edu/undergraduate-program/admissions/applicant-qualifications/ | Fully active learning in every class. Small, engaging seminar format. |
