Progressing into Liberal Arts Florence Gomez – Director of Liberal Arts Programme

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 CORE STUDY MODULES Connecting the Arts, Humanities, Social & Life sciences e.g. The Art of Reading and Writing Body and Culture Food, Famine, Feast SKILLS MODULES Developing a tool-kit for study and employment e.g. Langauges Quantitative methods MAJORS 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

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 Why Liberal Arts?

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, high- achievers, 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 recognition- value 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.