Learn across borders

Combine in-depth study of a single discipline with interdisciplinary exploration of other subjects, making connections across topics.

First-class facilities

Use our vast foreign film library, Multimedia Centre, cinema, editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, and our extensive theatre archive - one of the world's largest.

Broaden your horizons

MLibArts students spend their third year studying abroad and gain invaluable international experience. We have exchange agreements with prestigious partner universities around the world.

Liberal Arts courses for 2024

Single Honours

Liberal Arts at Bristol

Liberal arts combines in-depth study of a single discipline with the exploration of other subjects within the Faculty of Arts. The faculty is home to researchers who are committed to the ideals of liberal education. Our diverse scholars and students collaborate with an interdisciplinary outlook.

You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own curriculum, making connections between core and optional units. Your studies will also incorporate the abundant opportunities within the flourishing cultural life of the University and the city.

You'll get the chance to work with external partners, combining industry experience with academic assessment, and take advantage of the many cultural and intellectual activities offered across the University.

My course challenges me to think in a way that I haven't before. Interdisciplinarity is a key part of my course, and I love how I learn something new every week. Bristol is constantly surprising me with what it has to offer - there is always something going on.

Lauren, MLibArts Liberal Arts with Study Abroad

Career prospects

Three students sat together in a library.

A liberal arts degree, with its high academic standards, interdisciplinary breadth, and emphasis on community engagement, will help you build an enviable combination of knowledge, understanding, analytical and communication skills.

Experiences gained while studying abroad, embarking on field trips or working with local networks and organisations will add to your skillset. Our goal is to prepare you to be an informed, ethical global citizen, ready to contribute to society as you tackle the world of work or further study.

Course structure

A student speaking to another student.

You will choose one primary subject to focus on throughout your degree alongside interdisciplinary study. Subject pathways include:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Film
  • English
  • Historical Studies
  • Modern Languages (French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish)
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Religion and Theology
  • Theatre.

In the first two years, at least a third of your credit points come from units in your chosen subject pathway. You will also take core liberal arts units that introduce essential concepts, skills, and methods within the arts and humanities. These currently include: The Art of Writing; The History of the Present; Experiencing the Aesthetic; Ideas and Society; and Arts in the Age of Data. You will begin or continue studying an ancient or modern language. You can use remaining credits to take optional units from across the full range of disciplines within the Faculty of Arts.

MLibArts students will spend their third year abroad, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Those on a language pathway will study in a country relevant to their chosen language; other students can choose from a wide range of destinations worldwide. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Studying Abroad.

In the final year, you can choose units from your subject pathway and other options, and you will complete an interdisciplinary dissertation in a topic of your choice.

City of culture

The harbour and Arnolfini in Bristol on a sunny day.

Bristol is one of Europe's top cultural and creative cities. It is home to renowned galleries like the Royal West of England Academy and Arnolfini; theatres including the historic Bristol Old Vic and the acclaimed Tobacco Factory; several arthouse cinemas, like local favourite Watershed; and music venues from the university's elegant Victoria Rooms to the former cargo ship Thekla.

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