UCAS Y000
Arts and Sciences BASc 3 years
The three-year programme of core courses, major and minor pathway and internship.
UCAS Y001
Arts and Sciences with Study Abroad BASc 4 years
The three-year programme plus an additional year abroad.
Employment prospects
Q: What sort of job can I do after Arts and Sciences?
A: The Arts and Sciences (BASc) degree is
being developed specifically with the careers of tomorrow’s leaders and
high-flyers in mind. A very wide range of jobs in business, journalism, the creative industries, engineering companies,
governments, charities, international organisations, health, science, cultural exchange etc. will be open to you.
Q: Why do employers ask for 'cross-disciplinary experience'?
A:
The world of work is changing very fast and there are many views on
what this world will be like in a few years' time. One thing seems to be
clear though: we are preparing people today for jobs that we do not yet
know exist. By having cross-disciplinary experience, you show that you
are adaptable and able to learn in a wide variety of ways and subject
areas. This adaptability and flexibility is of premium value to top
employers. Please see Careers for some quotes from employers on the value of interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary learning and experience.
Q: Are there placements or internships on this degree?
A:
Yes. All Arts and Sciences students will have a work placement before
their final year. A wide range of placements will be available to
reflect your interests and what you are studying on Arts and Sciences.
Q: I am worried that I will not have a ‘specialism’ when I leave university and this will put me at a disadvantage in the job market. Can you reassure me?
A: Firstly, by studying a major and a minor you will gain considerable depth in two academic areas. Secondly, an important statistic to bear in mind is that around 75% of all graduate jobs are open to a graduate in any subject whatsoever. This means that specialism is not a requirement for about 75% of graduate jobs. One of the aims of Arts and Sciences is to allow you to graduate best-placed to apply for leading roles in these areas (see What sort of job can I do after Arts and Sciences? above).
Q: Which companies, in any, have endorsed this degree?
A:
We are working with groups of employers who will have input into our
third year Knowledge Economy module. For example the Council for Industry and Higher Education are advising us on employment and work trends of the future.
These groups will also advise us on
a rolling basis of the aspects of Arts and Sciences that are most
relevant and helpful to their industries or areas of work.
In the
meantime, please see these quotes from Careers on the value of the sorts of knowledge and skills that Arts and Sciences students will have. Two further examples: one from a world-leading media
organisation and the next from an umbrella group which liaises with the
creative and digital industries.
'...when we look for future leaders at [our organisation]...we're looking for rounded individuals with a broader skill set.'
'According to e-Skills UK, Skillset and Creative & Cultural Skills - the relevant Sector Skills Councils - a top priority for Creative, Digital and IT industries is the development of hybrid skills - technical, business, creative, interpersonal. These are a vital way of monetising content and services...'
Q: I have heard the phrase 'portfolio career'. What does this mean?
A: A 'portfolio career' refers to the fact that, so far as we can tell, most students entering higher eduction today will have 2,3 or even 4 careers in their lifetimes.
This may have a profound effect on the purpose and focus of university studies. On Arts and Sciences BASc we aim to give students the sort of grounding and education they will need to be flexible in this work environment and to adapt to any necessary changes. Some of this education will involve technical skills - e.g. learning quantitative methods and the foreign language - but other parts will involve broader skills and an ability to think critically and to synthesise information from many areas - e.g. the Value Judgements course, the interdisciplinary electives and the subjects students will study on their Pathways.
