Why Study Liberal Arts at Manchester?
At a glance
- Shape your studies around your interests with a choice of 500+ course units across ten themes.
- Explore real-world challenges using Manchester as a focus for your learning and research.
- Learn through our connections with The Manchester Museum, the Whitworth Art Gallery and other cultural organisations.
- Work with Creative Manchester and connect your learning with the city’s creative and cultural sector.
Video: Why Study a Humanities Degree at The University of Manchester?
Frequently asked study questions
A Liberal Arts degree gives you the freedom to study across different subjects and make connections between them.
You can combine core Liberal Arts units with units from other subject areas across the University.
This gives you the opportunity to encounter different ideas and ways of thinking, while bringing together what you learn throughout your studies.
The core units provide a foundation for your studies, while your other choices allow you to explore the subjects and questions that interest you.
You can choose from more than 500 course units, subject to availability and timetabling.
The units are grouped into ten thematic clusters to help you navigate the different subjects and topics available.
These cover areas such as
- people and places;
- communication and culture;
- ecology and environments;
- languages;
- and leadership and engagement.
You can continue with subjects you already enjoy, discover new areas of study or explore how different subjects approach the same questions.
Your choices can also change as your interests develop, giving you space to explore new ideas and areas during your studies.
You can build skills in critical thinking, research, communication and problem-solving throughout your studies.
Working across different subjects means engaging with different types of information, ideas and approaches. You’ll learn to consider different points of view, assess evidence and build your own arguments.
The core units also help you strengthen your research skills and communicate your ideas with academic and non-academic audiences.
You will also have opportunities to put what you learn into practice too and see how your knowledge and skills can be used beyond your academic work.
Studying across different subjects can prepare you for a range of paths after university.
Graduates can go on to work in areas including journalism, education, the charity sector, consultancy, marketing and management, or continue to postgraduate study.
Graduates can go on to work in areas including:
- journalism;
- education;
- the charity sector;
- consultancy;
- marketing and management;
- or continue to postgraduate study.
This means you can choose from many paths after graduating, whether you decide to start your career or continue your studies.
For more information about graduate destinations, work experience and career support, visit the careers and employability page.