Progressing into Liberal Arts
Florence Gomez – Director of Liberal Arts Programme
F.Gomez@exeter.ac.uk
What is Liberal Arts ?
• Not a subject of study itself
 An interdisciplinary approach to study in the Arts,
Humanities & Social Sciences.
• A classical model
 Advanced learning requires complementary skills
Language
Argument
Computation
Science
From a broad foundation comes true expertise
Specialisation begins
with mastery of the Liberal Arts
In-depth study of a single
subject is most effective when it
is combined with a breadth of
experience of the concepts,
methods and debates which
connect all forms of academic
enquiry.
What is Liberal Arts at Exeter?
An unique approach that ensures
• depth of knowledge and breadth of experience
combining:
 subject expertise and
 essential skills in
Languages
Quantitative methods and applications
Workplace experience
Global awareness
Communication
Building a Liberal Arts programme at Exeter?
Interdisplinary nature
MAJORS
CORE STUDY
MODULES
SKILLS
MODULES
Connecting
the Arts,
Humanities,
Social & Life
sciences
Developing a
tool-kit for
study and
employment
e.g.
The Art of Reading and
Writing
Body and Culture
Food, Famine, Feast
+
e.g.
Langauges
Quantitative methods
+
Archaeology
Anthropology
Classics
English
History
History of Art
Modern Languages
Philosophy
Politics
Theology
Or themes (e.g.):
Film
Gender
Medieval Studies
Visual culture
Liberal Arts experience ?
Workplace projects and placements:
•
•
•
•
•
Government
Media
Cultural organisations
Education
Business
An introduction to
Postgraduate Research
Why Liberal Arts?
• Adding value to the undergraduate experience
in the research-intensive HE
• A global approach within the gold-standard of the UK HE
environment
• Bespoke pathways of study
• International exchange opportunities
• A route to advanced learning
• Employability
Facts on Application for a Liberal Arts ?
• No subject specific requirements in Exeter.
However other universities will have specific requirements for
subject areas that an applicant wishes to major in.
• Some do Liberal Arts and Sciences
So checking the lists of subjects available for major/minor options is
crucial.
• Wishes to major in a MFL
A’Level or equivalent in a MFL
(probably be true of most LIB programmes)
• Typical offer: A*AA-AAB; IB: 38-34
Advice for Personal statement for Liberal Arts?
- ¾ on studying a Liberal Arts and
- ¼ great addition to the student community
Ex: talking about hobbies, interests and activities outside
studying.
- Student’s evidence – search programme offering breadth but
scope to specialise
- Universities - search for potential and drive to succeed.
- Applying to 4 universities for specific subject degrees & only
to 1 for Liberal Arts
 Separate personal statement (UCAS template) to that
university after submitting application
Liberal Arts – Student profile
- Enormous intellectual potential and adaptability
skills
- Explorers, innovators, risk-takers, highachievers, decision-makers, entrepreneurs
- Thinking outside the box, being open-minded,
welcoming changes and challenges,
appreciating diversity, removing limits
- Critical and constructive minds
- Efficient, reliable, respectful, enthusiast
Examples of Liberal Arts Careers in
- Collections Information Officer
- Editorial Assistant (News Desk)
- Account Executive - PR
- Analyst (Accounting)
- Events Planner (Publishing)
- Civil Service Fast Stream
- Buying Associate
- Corporate Communications
Liberal Arts Vs Other programmes ?
Not the study of a subject or two, but
a way of organizing a degree.
It is an
alternative route to subject expertise ensuring maximum
flexibility.
It offers a broader
study range with studying or work
placement abroad which are more challenging intellectually.
Its structure
evolves as students develop, acquire more maturity,
independence and refine their interests - it is a personalized approach.
Its Integrated
masters guaranties a financial advantage.
Its interdisciplinary
nature meets students career goals.
Liberal Arts’ Global dominance gives a high recognitionvalue to the hallmarks of its graduate:
-
Communicative
Intellectual curiosity and independence
Cosmopolitan
Breadth of experience and maturity
Careers/sectors students progress into
- Charitable/Third sector
- Publishing/Writing & Editing
- Heritage /Art & museum
Liberal Arts will
train the mind without
overloading it with acquired knowledge.
“Liberal Arts education taught me to seek the answer to the
question "Why?" Why are things the way they are? And Why do we
think the way we do? Why do things function as they do? (Can they
be improved, REunderstood, reformatted, or reused?) So many of
my friends in college approached the world from a different angle
and would often dive right into trying to understand something. By
learning the process of asking the right questions I learned how to
approach new ideas.”
(Preston Brasch 09/06/15)
Liberal Arts – My experience
- A challenging programme of excellence for the elite, the most ambitious
students.
- Interdisplinary study that expand students’ experience of learning as they
develop an eagerness to debate, defend, think and engage.
-
Variety of subjects foster student’s social, cognitive and communication
skills
The course is based on the development of conceptual thinking – core
modules, continuous input for life and employment – skill modules, and
focus on major and a minor subjects.
- General knowledge foundation to broaden students’ horizon while having
a major and a minor.
- Personal nature and support from academic and administrative staff –
family like.