- Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees cover Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, improving students’ communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
- Learn more about Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, the most popular programmes, and the best places to study them.
- Learn how a BA is different from a BS and what each focuses on and emphasises.
A BA (Bachelor of Arts) is an undergraduate degree focused on arts, humanities, and social sciences. The BA is one of the most popular degree types worldwide. It’s popular because it covers a wide range of subjects.
Many students choose a BA because it offers flexibility, helps build strong communication and critical thinking skills, and prepares them for various careers in media, education, business, public relations, and more.
BA is an undergraduate degree, which means it takes three to four years to complete, depending on the country. You can find thousands of BA degrees to study abroad and a generous online Bachelor's offer to study remotely.
Why study a Bachelor of Arts?
A BA equips you with problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Your course will combine guided learning with independent assignments, allowing you to explore your field from different angles. As part of your degree, you’ll attend lectures, write in-depth essays, and discuss with your peers.
Thanks to their versatile skill set, BA graduates can work in different settings. Some areas where their skills will be useful include:
- Office-based roles: Marketing, human resources, public relations, and administration
- Creative industries: Journalism, film, design, writing, and advertising
- Public sector and NGOs: Government agencies, policy research, and international organizations.
- Business and finance: Management, consulting, and commerce-related careers.
Popular disciplines for a Bachelor of Arts
Under the Bachelor of Arts umbrella, you’ll come across a wide range of degrees, from Psychology to Fine Arts. Here are some popular disciplines and how they can help you build your career.
BA in Psychology
A BA in Psychology will familiarise you with the field, including its sub-branches like developmental and cognitive psychology. By the end of the programme, you’ll develop a strong understanding of human behaviour, which can lead to a career in mental health, counselling, and other people-related jobs like HR. Find the best programmes for BA in Psychology
BA in Fine Arts
A BA in Fine Arts is a versatile degree that will allow you to explore different art disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. At the end of their degrees, Fine Arts students usually specialise in one of these disciplines or pursue further study with an MA in Fine Arts. Find the best programmes for BA in Fine Arts
BA in Economics
Your modules in a BA in Economics will include economic theories, supply and demand, micro and macroeconomics, and social policy. Improving your knowledge in such diverse areas of economics will be useful for careers in finance, business, and public policy. Find the best programmes for BA in Economics
BA in Political Science
A BA in Political Science will help you develop a better understanding of government systems, international relations, and political parties. Graduates often work in government offices, research centres, and international organisations. Find the best programmes for BA in Political Science
BA in Sociology
If you’re interested in social behaviour, cultural trends, and societal issues in different countries, a BA in Sociology might be the right degree for you. Besides research roles and teaching, you can apply your knowledge in industries that require a strong societal knowledge, such as marketing and journalism. Find the best programmes for BA in Sociology
BA in History
By studying History, you’ll not only learn about the past but also perform in-depth research using accurate sources, analyse different events, and write long-form essays. These are valuable skills in research, education, museum curation, and many other industries. Find the best programmes for BA in History
BA in Commerce
A BA in Commerce is often offered in combination with other disciplines, such as Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Management. Graduates can take on roles in management and consulting, or start their own business. Find the best programmes for BA in Commerce
BA in Criminology
When offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree, Criminology examines why people commit crimes, how crimes affect society, and how justice works in different countries. Graduates work closely with forensic psychologists, lawyers, and police. Find the best programmes for BA in Criminology
BA in Journalism
You’ll learn about media ethics, news reporting, feature writing, and communication, which will help you find jobs in newsrooms and public relations agencies. Find the best programmes for BA in Journalism
BA in Culinary Arts
By covering food science, restaurant management, and gastronomy, a BA in Culinary Arts enables graduates to work in the hospitality sector, especially as food consultants and designers. Find the best programmes for BA in Culinary Arts
Popular Destinations for a Bachelor of Arts
From countries with world-class universities to places that are home to inspiring art scenes, here are the top destinations for your BA degree:
BA in the USA
The US institutions offer four-year BA degrees, and allow you to choose a Major as your specialisation and a Minor as your secondary subject. This is especially interesting in BA subjects as they’re often interrelated — for example, you could major in Psychology and minor in Sociology to gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour from both an individual and societal perspective. Find BA programmes in the USA
BA in Germany
Germany, especially Berlin, is booming with creative jobs in art galleries, film festivals, and design agencies. Studying for your BA degree in Germany can help you get a job in the industry faster, as the country offers 18-month graduate visas. Tuition fees and living costs are also more affordable compared to many other European countries. Find BA programmes in Germany
BA in Canada
Similar to the USA, Canada allows students to pick a Major and a Minor. High-ranking universities like McGill University and the University of Toronto also offer co-ops, which are paid internships allowing students to improve their employability. Find BA programmes in Canada
BA in Japan
Institutions like Waseda University and Eikei University of Hiroshima offer English-language programmes, mainly for BA degrees like Political Science, Social Sciences, and Media. If you’re interested in Japanese language and culture, studying in Japan is a great way of gaining firsthand experience while completing your degree. Find BA programmes in Japan
BA in the UK
The UK education system focuses a lot on independent learning and creative thinking, which means that as a BA student, most of your time will be spent on coursework, assignments, and writing projects. Plus, the programmes last three years, which means you’ll finish your studies sooner. Find BA programmes in the UK
What is the difference between a BA and BS degree?
BS, also known as BSc, stands for Bachelor of Science and covers STEM subjects — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. BA, as we covered, focuses on Arts and Humanities.
That said, the same subject can have a BA and a BSc version. This is especially common for disciplines like Psychology, Economics, and Sociology. In this case, the BA programme follows a more discussion-based approach, and the BS a more analytical way of teaching.
Here is more information on BA vs BS:
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) | |
| Focus | Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts | STEM fields |
| Example Subjects | History, Psychology, Fine Arts, Political Science | Biology, IT, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry |
| Course Structure | Lectures, workshops, seminars, essays, reading assignments | Lectures, workshops, seminars, lab work |
| Course Duration | 3-4 years, depending on the country | 3-4 years, depending on the country |
| Key Skills | Communication, writing, interpretation, creativity | Analytical thinking, problem-solving, quantitative analysis |
| Further Study | Often leads to MA, MFA, or PhD | Often leads to MSc, MEng, or PhD |
In conclusion…
Bachelor of Arts degrees are a great fit for those who want to keep their options open. After all, strong communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills are valued by many employers. Graduates can work in teaching, media, marketing, and HR, as well as creative industries like writing, art, and film-making.
Find BA programmes on Bachelorsportal, both on-site and online, and get one step closer to your dreams!
FAQs
1. What can you do with a BA degree?
A BA degree opens career opportunities in media, education, public relations, marketing, social services, and creative industries. You can work as a journalist, teacher, PR specialist, human resources officer, or in various creative roles.
2. Is a BA the same as a BS?
No, a BA (Bachelor of Arts) focuses on humanities and social sciences, while a BS (Bachelor of Science) is centred around STEM subjects. The BA typically involves more theoretical, discussion-based learning, while the BS is more analytical and lab-based.
3. What are the entry requirements for a BA?
Entry requirements vary by country and university, but generally, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programmes may require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS.
4. How long does it take to complete a BA?
A full-time BA typically takes 3 to 4 years. Part-time or online courses may take longer, depending on your study pace.
