A complete guide to arts and humanities degrees
From ancient texts to modern thought, humanities connect the dots across time. Let’s connect them to your future.
Curious about what shapes human culture and creativity? Interested in exploring big ideas, history, languages, or art? A degree in the humanities could be the perfect path for you. These fields dive into the heart of what it means to be human, from literature and philosophy to history and archaeology. You’ll explore diverse subjects while developing skills like critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness that employers truly value. Keep reading to explore more of the opportunities awaiting you in the humanities.
Topics you’ll explore
Arts and humanities offer a broad spectrum of subjects that delve into human experience and expression. While the field is wide, you might learn about any of these topics while studying your degree:
Historical perspectives
Literary analysis
Philosophical inquiry
Cultural studies
Creative expression
Research methodologies
Skills you’ll gain
Through arts and humanities, you’ll gain skills that employers appreciate across many industries. Some of the most important include:
Hard skills
- Writing
- Critical reading
- Source analysis
- Academic referencing
- Media literacy
- Oral presentations
- Debating
- Research
Soft skills
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Argumentation
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
Degree routes available to you
The beauty of this kind of degree is that there’s usually a path for everyone. Whether you’re a literature lover, history buff, philosophy thinker, or creative mind, here are a few courses that could match what you want to explore:
BA (Bachelor of Arts)
A popular choice for arts and humanities students, the BA covers your chosen subject in depth while building essential skills like critical thinking, research, and effective communication.
BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Humanities
Some universities offer this option, combining humanities with a stronger focus on research and interdisciplinary study.
Joint honours degree
Study two subjects side by side, like English and History or Philosophy and Politics, giving you a wider perspective and a flexible skill set.
Liberal arts degree
Explore a variety of humanities topics before narrowing your focus, perfect if you want a broad, well-rounded education.
MA (Master of Arts)
Dive deeper into your chosen field with advanced study and research, often culminating in a dissertation.
MRes (Master of Research)
Designed for those who want to focus on research skills and independent study, this is a great path if you’re thinking about a career in academia or research.
Common questions about arts and humanities degrees
Arts and humanities degrees cover a wide range of subjects that explore human culture, creativity, society, and expression. You can dive into humanities topics like literature, history, philosophy, languages, religious studies, anthropology, and archaeology. Or explore arts subjects such as fine art, music, drama, dance, film studies, and creative writing. Many courses also offer interdisciplinary options, letting you combine different fields to shape your own unique learning journey.
Many humanities subjects focus on theory and analysis, while arts degrees usually include hands-on practical elements. For example, fine art students spend time in studios, music students take part in performances, and drama students join productions. Even in theory-heavy courses, you’ll often find chances to apply your learning through projects, field trips, or work placements.
Entry requirements vary by university and specific programme. For humanities subjects, universities often look for strong A-level grades (or equivalent qualifications) in relevant subjects like English, history, or languages. For arts subjects, a portfolio of work or an audition may be required in addition to academic qualifications. All programmes value demonstrated passion for your chosen field through extracurricular activities or personal projects.
Arts and humanities graduates develop versatile skills that are valuable in many industries. Humanities graduates often pursue careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, marketing, public relations, civil service, law, and museum curation. Arts graduates may find opportunities in creative industries such as graphic design, illustration, theatre production, music composition, or filmmaking. Both arts and humanities graduates are well-suited for roles requiring critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills across various sectors.
Why pursue an arts and humanities degree
Intellectual growth
Challenge yourself to think critically and explore a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
Cultural understanding
Discover how human societies, cultures, and creative expressions have evolved through time.
Transferable skills
Build strong communication, analytical, and creative skills that open doors across many careers.
Personal enrichment
Delve into life’s big questions and develop a lasting passion for arts, literature, and philosophy.
Creative expression
Unleash your artistic talents and find new ways to share your ideas and vision.
Global perspective
Expand your horizons and gain empathy by engaging with diverse cultures and experiences.
Where this degree will take you
An arts and humanities degree opens up diverse career possibilities, both within cultural sectors and beyond. Here are some of the common paths graduates choose to follow:
Museum Curator
Develop exhibitions, manage collections, and bring history and culture to life for visitors.
Arts Administrator
Manage cultural organisations, overseeing programmes, budgets, and operations for theatres, galleries, or festivals.
Librarian or Archivist
Preserve and organise important cultural materials, making them accessible to researchers and the public.
Cultural Policy Advisor
Shape arts and culture policies at local or national levels, influencing funding and programme decisions.
Digital Content Creator
Produce engaging online content that explores humanities topics for a wide audience.
Writer or Editor
Craft compelling narratives or polish others’ work in various media, from books to digital content.
Find your arts and humanities degree
Common questions about arts and humanities careers
Arts and humanities graduates have diverse career options. You might pursue roles in education, museums, publishing, media, marketing, or government. Some graduates become writers, historians, curators, or researchers. Others apply their critical thinking and communication skills to fields like law, business, or non-profit work.
Starting salaries for arts and humanities graduates in the UK vary widely depending on the specific field. On average, you can expect between £23,000 to £28,000 per year initially. However, earnings potential increases significantly with experience and specialisation.
Yes, many employers highly value the transferable skills gained from arts and humanities degrees. These include critical thinking, research, writing, and communication abilities. Such skills are applicable across various industries and can lead to rewarding career paths.
Job satisfaction tends to be high for those working in arts and humanities fields. Many find their work intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching. The opportunity to engage with ideas, creativity, and human experiences often leads to a sense of fulfilment.
It depends on your career goals. Some roles may require additional qualifications or postgraduate study. For example, teaching often requires a PGCE, while certain museum positions might prefer a master's degree. However, many careers are accessible with a bachelor's degree alone.
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