University of Derby first in the East Midlands to offer Liberal Arts aimed at creating “dynamic graduates”

The University of Derby is introducing a BA (Hons) Liberal Arts from September 2016, and is the first university in the East Midlands to offer this highly-regarded 21^st century qualification.

Liberal Arts degrees are well-established and hugely popular in the USA, where eminent graduates include Nobel Prize winners, heads of state and business pioneers as well as leading figures from the arts world.

Liberal Arts is a broad and inter-disciplinary degree, covering a range of topics.

Simon Philo, Lecturer in American Studies and Course Leader for Liberal Arts said: “The course will offer limitless potential to the ambitious and inquisitive student; providing an exciting combination of arts, humanities and social sciences.”

“We will give students the opportunity - and set them the challenge - to think and work both within and across disciplines and genres. Studies will span historical debates, cultural theories, political ideas and artistic works.

“Liberal Arts at Derby can be experienced both inside and outside the classroom. We are based in a region which played a significant role in the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, helping to shape the world we live in, so we make the most of the rich cultural and heritage resources on our doorstep.”

The course provides the opportunity for students to study in America for a single semester or a full year.

Simon added: “This will enhance your academic experience, boost your confidence, increase your global awareness, and make a substantial contribution to your employability.”

The University has a strong, long-standing partnerships with American universities including:

• Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
• Eastern Michigan University
• Longwood University, Virginia
• Keene State College, New Hampshire

In a recent survey of business leaders undertaken by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 74% said they would recommend a Liberal Arts education because it nurtures more dynamic graduates.

Furthermore, one third of Fortune 500’s CEOs have a Liberal Arts degree. As Steve Jobs said when he was CEO of Apple Inc: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with Liberal Arts that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”