If you’re looking for a degree course that enables you to ask questions and challenge both your own ideals and those of the people around you, then you may be particularly well suited to studying a degree in humanities. There are a whole range of subjects that you may study as part of the course, all of which will require students to examine literary, historical and critical texts in order to process and discuss key opinions.

Whether you’re studying religion and philosophy or history and English, a humanities degree is perfect for those with strong analytical skills and an inquisitive mind.

During your time as a student of humanities, you will acquire a number of skills that will be of use to you in the world of work. Many graduates with a strong degree in this field opt for further post-graduate study which allows them to pursue careers in fields such as journalism, teaching and law, where the skills taught on the degree programme are highly transferable.

During your time as a student of humanities, you will acquire a number of skills that will be of use to you in the world of work. Many graduates with a strong degree in this field opt for further post-graduate study which allows them to pursue careers in fields such as journalism, teaching and law, where the skills taught on the degree programme are highly transferable.

Similarly, many graduates also find themselves working within the business sector in roles such as public relations, human resources, advertising, marketing and administration.

The humanities are all about analysis, so most of your assessments will be essays or examinations rather than taking on a more practical format. The minimum length for an undergraduate humanities degree is 3 years and post-graduate courses will last for a minimum of a year. Some institutions offer their students the opportunity to study abroad for a year on an Erasmus scheme. This is particularly beneficial to those seeking to specialise in areas relating to foreign culture. Alternatively, you may be able to spend this year between the second and final stages of your degree doing a work placement within an industry of your choice.

In the UK, the majority of students who study humanities at university level will be expected to have an A-level qualification or equivalent subjects such as history, English, philosophy, law or Religious studies.  Most post-graduate courses require a minimum 2:1 degree classifaction .

Different universities may request different entry grades, but all will expect foreign applicants to get a minimum of 6.0 on an IELTS test if they are a non-native speaker. Some more prestigious establishments will not accept students unless they achieve a 6.5.

Given that humanities degrees lend themselves to a wide number of careers paths, it is important to sit down and make a mental checklist out of what you wish to gain from your time as a student. While some students enter their application without much consideration for their future job prospects, many others will have an idea of what they wish to do with their degree and whether or not they want to spend time completing practical work experience or studying abroad. If this is something, you’re interested in, then investigate if these opportunities are available at your choice of university and if so where could you potentially end up studying?

If you don’t feel like extending your degree for a year, then it is always worthwhile taking a look at the campus careers service to see if they offer any part-time placements or industry shadowing schemes for undergraduates.

When you make your application to study, consider also the location of the university and the impact that this may have upon your time as a student. It is easy to forget when applying to courses that you should also consider your social well-being as well as your academic needs. While many large universities offer a wide range of social activities for their students, this may not suit every-one’s personality. If you think you would prefer to study somewhere with more of a communal focus, then look at smaller campuses, and if you’re still feeling uncertain as to what you want, don’t worry. All of the Universities hold open days for prospective students where you can go and take a look at the campus, the facilities and speak to the students allowing you to make more of an informed decision.

There will be many different universities to choose from when making an application, all of which will offer a wide range of humanities courses. While it is important to check that the modules taught adhere to your specific areas of interest, before applying you should also ensure that you check the entry level requirements and affordability of the course. If finances are difficult then consider applying for a grant or scholarship.