Liberal Arts MA
This programme offers a fresh approach to developing academic skills within the arts and humanities, featuring a flexible and interdisciplinary degree structure that allows you to study more than one subject in a meaningful and connected way. You will gain a broad understanding of major global issues, including those related to the environment and social justice, while also developing an awareness of the importance of civic engagement.
The University is an ideal setting for liberal arts study, offering a broad, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration across diverse subjects. With renowned faculty, a wide range of academic pathways, and a focus on global issues, Glasgow empowers you to tailor your studies to your interests within a vibrant city that blends rich history with modern creativity.
The University of Glasgow is a world top 60 institution for Arts & Humanities (THE World University Rankings, 2025). We have been at the forefront of delivering teaching, learning and research in the arts and humanities since 1451.
Glasgow is the UK's top cultural and creative city (European Commission, 2019) and a UNESCO City of Music. Our city is home to more than 100 cultural organisations, including the Burrell Collection (Art Fund 2023 Museum of the Year), the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, and five internationally renowned performing arts companies.
- September start
- Session dates
- Liberal Arts with Comparative Literature MA (Hons): LA21 4 year degree
- Liberal Arts with English Literature MA (Hons): LA31 4 year degree
- Liberal Arts with Film & Television Studies MA (Hons): LA41 4 year degree
- Liberal Arts with History MA (Hons): LA51 4 year degree
- Liberal Arts with Philosophy MA (Hons): LA61 4 year degree
- Liberal Arts with Theatre Studies MA (Hons): LA71 4 year degree
Programme structure
This is a Single Honours programme. However, a distinctive feature is the opportunity to specialise in areas of personal interest through secondary subject pathways, including Comparative Literature, Film & Television Studies, English Literature, History, Philosophy, and Theatre Studies. As a result, you will graduate with an MA in Liberal Arts ‘with’ your chosen pathway; for example, MA Liberal Arts with Comparative Literature.
Year 1
In year 1, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of the liberal arts through two courses that explore the role of the humanities in public life and the importance of navigating intercultural environments.
You will also undertake core courses from one of six available secondary subject pathways:
- Comparative Literature
- Film & Television Studies
- English Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Theatre Studies.
In addition, year 1 includes the study of a third approved subject.
Year 2
In year 2, the core Liberal Arts courses address two significant contemporary issues: migration and wellbeing. You will continue to deepen your knowledge of your chosen secondary subject through core courses.
Additionally, year 2 offers the opportunity to study another approved subject at either Level 1 or Level 2.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years 3 & 4), you will continue to deepen your understanding of global issues in year 3 through a core course examining local and global perspectives on environmental challenges. You will also enter the Honours stage of your secondary subject, engaging with more advanced and specialised areas of study.
Year 4 includes a secondary subject option, a selection of courses from across the College of Arts & Humanities, and an independently researched dissertation in Liberal Arts.
Course details
Year 1
- Liberal Arts 1A: Introduction to Public Humanities: Arts-Based Inquiry for Social Justice [semester 1, 20 credits]
- Liberal Arts 1B: Intercultural literacies [semester 2, 20 credits]
PLUS
- 40 Credits of Level 1 courses in one subsidiary subject: Comparative Literature, Film & Television Studies, English Literature, History, Philosophy, and Theatre Studies
PLUS
- 40 Credits of another Level 1 College of Arts & Humanities Subject.
Year 2
- Liberal Arts 2A: Beyond Borders and Boundaries: Exploring Roots and Routes in Human Mobilities [semester 1, 20 credits]
- Liberal Arts 2B: Cultures and Wellbeing [semester 2, 20 credits]
PLUS
- 40 Credits of Level 2 courses in the subsidiary subject chosen at L1.
PLUS
- 40 Credits of another Level 1 or 2 College of Arts & Humanities Subject.
Year 3
- Liberal Arts 3: Scottish and Global Environments: Past, Present, Future [semester 1, 20 credits]
PLUS
- 40 credits in the subsidiary subject studied since Year 1
PLUS
- 60 credits of Honours options from choices available across College of Arts & Humanities subject to availability in session and semester.
Year 4
- Liberal Arts Dissertation [40 credits]
PLUS
- 20 credits in the subsidiary subject studied since Year 1
PLUS
- 60 credits of Honours options from choices available across College of Arts & Humanities subject to availability in session and semester
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You will have the exciting opportunity to spend a semester abroad in the second semester of year 3, studying at one of the University’s prestigious partner institutions. See Study Abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2026
Arts (MA)
SQA Higher
- BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer.
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAB, including English and another Humanities subject, by end of S6.
- B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher, C at Advanced Higher is equivalent to B at Higher.
SQA Higher adjusted*
- MD20 and other target groups: BBBB, including English and another Humanities subject, by end of S5 or S6.
- MD40: AABB, including English and another Humanities subject, by end of S5 or S6.
- Additional requirements: Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our summer schools.
- Direct entry to Year 2 History and Philosophy via University of Glasgow HNC programmes.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility
A-Level
- AAB – BBB including English or another Humanities subject.
International Baccalaureate
- 34 (6,5,5) including either English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
This programme will enhance your career prospects by encouraging the development of clear and effective communication skills, both in writing and speech, for academic and non-academic audiences.
Graduates will be equipped to engage in sophisticated critical thinking and reflect on their civic responsibilities in a way that sets them apart. You will be capable of conducting original, independent research and approaching topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, while demonstrating strong time management, IT proficiency, and presentation expertise.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Related programmes
Comparative Literature
English Literature
Film & Television Studies
Philosophy
Theatre Studies
Undergraduate events
