B.A. Liberal Arts

The B.A. Liberal Arts is an English-taught, 7-semester bachelor's programme beginning every winter term. Take a look at the course structure below:

1st Semester:

• Introductory Module: foundational courses in History, Social Sciences, and Cultural-/Literary Studies
• Transferable Skills: Academic Writing*
• Language Course: English B2.2 or another language if you already have a C1 level in English

2nd Semester:

• “Gateway-Semester”: Three courses on the same overarching theme, each from one of the three disciplines
• Language Course: English C1.1 or another language
• Transferable Skills: Choose one course (Digital Literacy, Intercultural Communication, Presentation & Rhetoric, ‘Great Books’)

3rd Semester:

• Two interdisciplinary phenomenon-based courses**
• Regular Course: a discipline-specific course
• Transferable Skills: One additional course from the list above

4th Semester:

• Two interdisciplinary phenomenon-based courses**
• Regular Course: a discipline-specific course
• Transferable Skills: One additional course from the list above

5th Semester:

• Two interdisciplinary phenomenon-based courses**
• Regular Course: a discipline-specific course
• Transferable Skills: One additional course from the list above

6th Semester:

• Erasmus semester abroad OR
• Stay-Home Option: a six-week internship and an internship colloquium, several Area Studies courses

7th Semester:

• Thesis-Related writing course
• Colloquium
• Bachelor thesis

*The module 'Transferable Skills' equips students with essential academic and life skills that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Through the courses Academic Writing, Presentation and Rhetoric, Digital Literacy, Intercultural Communication, and Great Books, students develop core competencies in communication, critical thinking, and digital fluency. These skills support success across all areas of study.

**Interdisciplinary, Phenomenon-Based Modules: In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th semesters, students take part in two interdisciplinary courses each term. These modules are centred around major global challenges and reflect the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seminars encourage students to explore complex issues from multiple academic perspectives and develop multilateral, critical approaches to contemporary problems. These courses are taught in a co-teaching format by two lecturers from different disciplines.

Course themes are the following:
??? ???? Gender and Sexuality
??? ???? Peace and Conflict
??? ???? Equality and Inequality
??? ???? Health and Welfare
??? ???? Climate and Environment
??? ???? Transnationality and Migration
??? ???? Consumption and Production
??? ???? Identity and Identification
??? ???? Data, Communication, and Information

These modules foster interdisciplinary thinking, collaborative learning, and societal awareness — core pillars of a Liberal Arts education.

Application Procedure
To be admitted to the bachelor’s programme "Liberal Arts: Culture, History, Society", applicants must undergo a special aptitude assessment in addition to holding a higher education entrance qualification (secondary school leaving certificate such as the German “Abitur”). This procedure is intended to determine whether applicants possess the skillset required for successful studies.

When?
The procedure takes place once a year for admission in the winter semester. The application deadline is July 15.

Who must participate?
All applicants are required to complete the aptitude assessment procedure.

What is assessed?
The programme is looking for applicants with:
???? Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
???? A strong interest in social, historical, and cultural contexts
???? Solid English language proficiency

How does the procedure work?

First Stage:
School grades – particularly in German/native language, English, history, and another subject in the humanities or social sciences – as well as the overall grade of the higher education entrance qualification are evaluated. Depending on the outcome, the procedure may be successfully completed or terminated at this stage.

Second Stage (if necessary):
Applicants who fall within a middle range in the first stage or whose grades are not yet fully available must additionally complete either a written aptitude test or a selection interview (in English). This stage assesses skills in interdisciplinary and critical thinking, and understanding of cultural, social, and historical contexts.

Application
Applications must be submitted through the University of Regensburg’s online application portal (the link to the portal will be published here soon). Required documents include a CV, information about the higher education entrance qualification, and proof of English language proficiency (at least level B1+, but we very strongly recommend a level of B2+!).

Is the BA Liberal Arts: Culture, History, Society the right degree programme for me?

It is, if…

• You are interested in key issues of our globalised world such as social justice, migration flows, climate change, gender relations, challenges posed by artificial intelligence or an increasingly digitally networked world. ?
• You would like to pursue these and many other questions within the framework of a broad, interdisciplinary and methodologically sound academic education.
• You want to benefit from a challenging education which stresses critical thinking and building responsible personalities.
• You are interested in spending a financially subsidised semester abroad at a one of our Erasmus+ partner universities.
• You want to benefit from a programme which trains you specifically in key academic skills through core courses such as academic writing, digital literacy, presentation and rhetoric etc.
• You want to study in an intercultural environment together with students from all over the world in a highly attractive and student-friendly city.

It is not, if...

• You are particularly or even exclusively interested in one or two specific academic subjects. In this case (and if you have sufficient German), you might be better off studying in the combinatorial bachelor's programme at the University of Regensburg.
• You find it difficult to concentrate on longer and more complex texts (non-fiction or fiction) or if you simply have no interest in reading any text of a longer format.
• You struggle to understand English texts, for example on the level of a newspaper, or if you cannot follow most English-language films without subtitles, then maybe studies in your native language are preferable.

Why does the University of Regensburg only offer the BA Liberal Arts programme in English?
English is by far the most important language in many academic subjects worldwide. Likewise, for higher level positions in inter- or transnationally orientated professional fields in companies, institutions, NGOs etc., a very good command of English is an indispensable prerequisite. Moreover, English as the language of instruction enables students from all over the world to participate in the BA Liberal Arts in Regensburg. This creates a highly intercultural and international study environment for this bachelor programme.

How good does my English need to be to start well into the programme?
We do not demand perfection in English, but you should feel comfortable using the language. You should be able to understand English texts at newspaper level, for example, or be able to follow an English-language film without subtitles, without having to look up too many words or leaving them unexplained. You should also have the confidence to actively participate in discussions and write texts. It is perfectly okay for non-native speakers to make mistakes. Over the course of your studies with us, your English will improve rapidly; in the first two semesters you will have the opportunity to earn credit points in intensive English language courses.

Why is our degree seven semesters long and not six, like most other BAs at German universities?

Since our programme is highly interdisciplinary, we feel that we need to give students a proper methodological foundation in the disciplines that our programme consists of while also enabling them to follow their academic curiosity into different directions. Furthermore, we want to give students the chance to internationalise their studies by going abroad for an Erasmus term at one of our partner institutions. Therefore, we think that the additional semester is definitely time well spent!

If I am interested in doing a master's in a single subject after the BA, is the BA Liberal Arts accepted as a qualification for this?
Depending on the university and subject, master courses in a single subject usually require a minimum number of credit points earned in this subject in addition to a minimum grade in the BA. During your Liberal Arts studies, you have the opportunity to specialise in one subject (to a certain degree) via the elective area and can also write your Bachelor's thesis in this subject. In many cases, the credit points earned in this way are sufficient for an application for a specialised master's degree. However, there are subjects (depending on the university) where this is not the case. If necessary, find out in advance what minimum number of credit points is required to apply for a master's in your potential field of interest. Of course it is also possible to go for an interdisciplinary master's degree afterwards, such as the M.A. European Studies we offer here at Regensburg University.

Life in Regensburg

Despite its long history and medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Regensburg is a young city – every fifth inhabitant is a student. This is particularly obvious in the town centre: an abundance of bars, pubs, and restaurants make the city’s historical centre the place to be (when you’re not on campus). Countless attractions such as music festivals, concerts, theatres, and cinemas complement the recreational opportunities in this beautiful and bustling city.

(Photo: UR/Markus Meilinger)

The University of Regensburg is situated south of the city centre and is very easy to reach by bus. When you’re on campus, you will find it easy to get around – all the important spots are in walking distance from each other. No matter if you’re going to a lecture, the library, your professor’s office hours, or just to meet your friends for a nice cup of coffee in one of the many cafeterias, it won’t take you longer than a few minutes to get there.

(Photo: UR/Matthias Weich)

In your free time at the university you can choose from a wide range of cultural and athletic activities. The University Sports Centre offers everything from A as in Acrobatics to Z as in Zumba. If you are more into the arts than sports, why not try your hand at acting? We currently have 13 (German- as well as English-language) drama groups. And we have our own theatre hall right on campus! Or if you are musically inclined, why not join one of the university’s choirs or orchestras?

(Photo: UR/Antonia Pr?ls)

No matter what you do in your free time, you certainly won’t get bored on campus. If you choose to come to the University of Regensburg, you will become one of the 25,000 students, researchers, and teachers from more than 100 different countries that make our university the great place that it is.