MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is designed to offer a well-rounded education, drawing from a variety of disciplines within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This multidisciplinary approach allows students to tailor their learning to their personal interests while gaining valuable insight into global issues, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The inclusion of a placement year provides students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting, enhancing their employability and giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates core courses in politics, history, philosophy, sociology, and literature, while also allowing for specializations or elective modules that align with their career ambitions.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program offers a balanced combination of theoretical foundations and practical application. In the first year, students explore a variety of core subjects such as political theory, philosophy, sociology, and history, which form the basis of the Liberal Arts degree. As they progress, students can choose from a range of electives that align with their personal interests, such as international relations, economics, literature, or psychology. The second year introduces students to more advanced topics and research methods, which are essential for developing independent thinking and academic writing skills. The third year of the program is dedicated to the placement year, where students gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, contributing to real-world projects and developing skills that are directly transferable to the workplace. In the final year, students complete a dissertation, which allows them to specialize in an area of their choosing, consolidating their learning and preparing them for postgraduate studies or professional careers.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is recognized for its research excellence, and the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program benefits from the university's robust research culture. The program encourages students to engage with contemporary research, debate current issues, and explore global challenges through an interdisciplinary lens. Students are exposed to a wide range of research topics in areas such as social sciences, humanities, politics, and culture, which equips them with the skills to critically analyze complex ideas. The research component of the program is designed to foster independent inquiry and analytical thinking, culminating in a final-year dissertation that enables students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, conferences, and seminars, providing them with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers while enhancing their academic profile.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program is its emphasis on industry engagement. The placement year allows students to gain valuable experience in professional settings, helping them to bridge the gap between academic learning and the world of work. During this year, students can choose to work in a variety of sectors, including public policy, media, business, non-governmental organizations, and the arts. The university has strong links with a wide range of industries, which helps students secure placements that are aligned with their career goals. These placements offer opportunities for students to develop practical skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving, all of which are highly regarded by employers. The placement year is an integral part of the program, as it gives students the chance to apply their academic knowledge, gain real-world experience, and build professional networks that can open doors to future career opportunities.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is designed with a global perspective, encouraging students to consider the interconnectedness of the world. The curriculum covers a wide range of global issues, from politics and economics to environmental challenges and social justice. Students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of global events and trends, developing an understanding of the complex issues facing different regions and cultures. Furthermore, the university’s international partnerships and diverse student body contribute to a global learning environment, where students are exposed to a variety of viewpoints and cultural perspectives. The program also provides opportunities for students to study abroad or engage in global research projects, which enhances their global awareness and intercultural competence. This global outlook equips graduates with the skills to work in international environments and address challenges on a global scale.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Loughborough University, one of the UK’s leading institutions for higher education, is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, strong focus on employability, and industry connections. The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program combines a multidisciplinary academic curriculum with a valuable year-long work placement, offering students an enriched learning experience. By combining humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, this degree ensures that graduates possess a diverse skill set, making them attractive candidates in a broad range of industries. The added placement year provides practical experience, ensuring that students gain real-world exposure and develop the key professional competencies needed for their future careers.
Public Sector and Government: Graduates from the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program at Loughborough University are well-equipped for roles in the public sector. Their ability to think critically and analytically, combined with an understanding of global issues, social structures, and politics, makes them valuable assets in government roles. Graduates can pursue careers in public administration, policy analysis, and public affairs. Roles such as policy advisor, research assistant, and civil servant are common career paths, allowing graduates to contribute to the development and implementation of government programs and policies aimed at improving society.
Media, Journalism, and Communications: The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program provides graduates with strong writing, research, and communication skills that are essential in the media and communications industry. Graduates can find opportunities in journalism, digital media, content creation, public relations, and corporate communications. The program’s diverse curriculum allows students to analyze social issues, politics, and culture, which are valuable in reporting, media production, and creative roles. Graduates may work as journalists, media relations specialists, social media managers, or PR consultants, helping to communicate key messages and shape public discourse across multiple platforms.
Education and Teaching: With a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year graduates are well-suited for careers in education. Graduates can work in teaching at primary or secondary levels, specializing in subjects such as history, literature, social sciences, or philosophy. Those who wish to pursue a career in higher education may further their studies by pursuing postgraduate qualifications in education, allowing them to teach at the university level. The program’s focus on critical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge also makes graduates well-equipped for roles in educational consultancy, curriculum development, and educational support.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Development: The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program prepares graduates for roles in the non-governmental sector, where they can contribute to social development and humanitarian efforts. Many graduates work for NGOs, international organizations, or charities, focusing on global challenges such as poverty, human rights, education, and environmental sustainability. They may hold positions such as project manager, research analyst, advocacy officer, or development coordinator. The program’s emphasis on global perspectives and social responsibility provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible impact on communities around the world.
Business, Management, and Consultancy: The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program at Loughborough University equips graduates with the problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills needed for a career in business and management. Graduates can pursue roles in business analysis, project management, human resources, or marketing. Consulting firms also seek out graduates from interdisciplinary programs, as their diverse academic backgrounds enable them to approach problems from multiple perspectives. During their placement year, students can gain hands-on experience in these sectors, making them attractive candidates for full-time roles upon graduation.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Graduates with a passion for the arts and culture can pursue careers in museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program provides graduates with a deep understanding of history, culture, and society, making them ideal candidates for roles in arts management, museum curatorship, cultural programming, and event coordination. Graduates can contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, organize exhibitions, and work to engage communities with art and culture. With opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings during the placement year, students can secure roles that align with their passion for the arts and cultural sectors.
Law and Legal Professions: Many graduates from the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program go on to pursue careers in law. Although the program is not a direct law degree, its interdisciplinary nature and emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, and global issues make it an ideal foundation for those interested in legal studies. Graduates may choose to pursue a postgraduate law conversion course, enabling them to become solicitors, barristers, or legal consultants. The program’s focus on societal issues and governance also provides valuable insight into areas such as human rights law, environmental law, and international law, making these graduates well-suited for specialized roles in the legal profession.
Research and Academia: The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program encourages students to engage in research and critical analysis, making graduates well-prepared for roles in academic research and think tanks. Graduates may work as research assistants or analysts for universities, research organizations, or policy institutes. Their ability to conduct independent research, think critically, and analyze complex data makes them highly valuable in these fields. Many graduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies to further their academic careers, leading to opportunities to teach, publish research, and contribute to the development of new knowledge in their areas of interest.
Entrepreneurship and Freelancing: Some graduates of the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year program decide to take an entrepreneurial route, leveraging their creativity, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge to start their own businesses. Whether it's in consulting, digital media, or the arts, these graduates are well-equipped to identify market gaps and develop innovative solutions. The placement year provides students with the practical experience they need to start their own ventures or work as freelancers, offering a flexible and self-directed career path.
Technology and Digital Innovation: With the increasing importance of technology in today’s global landscape, BA (Hons) Liberal Arts with Placement Year graduates can also find roles in technology-related fields. Graduates with a keen interest in tech can work in areas such as digital content creation, digital marketing, user experience (UX) design, or data analysis. The critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary knowledge gained during the program are valuable in the tech industry, where adaptability and problem-solving are essential.
