Catlyn (the Head of the programme), please describe what is the Liberal Arts in Social Sciences BA programme all about? Sometimes it is difficult to figure out what to study in university and sometimes you just want a broader understanding of the world. Luckily there are programmes for just that, like Liberal Arts in Social Sciences. [caption id="attachment_19590" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Head of the programme Catlyn Kirna.[/caption] Liberal Arts is a philosophy where you get an interdisciplinary approach to a field, in this case social sciences. You get a feel of all different disciplines under the broad umbrella of “social sciences” and then can make a decision for your future. You can focus on one of the fields or continue with an interdisciplinary focus and create your own new research agendas. Is that a good idea? Science is moving more and more towards an interdisciplinary approach, most research projects connect at least two fields and require wider knowledge. And if academia is not for you, even working in any field of social science, knowing about related issues is a bonus. Wouldn’t it be better for a PR specialist to have knowledge about not only communications but politics, international affairs, psychology and society in general; not to mention law and economics? And as the programme offers you a chance to specialise in your favourite field, you won’t miss out on specific knowledge. What courses are on offer? As of 2016, the new and revamped programme focuses on offering the basics of all relevant fields: communication, economics, education, international relations, law, politics, psychology, sociology and many others. The programme gives a chance to carry out an interdisciplinary project with other students from other fields, learn about research methods; and focus on the discipline of choice. The programme also has a compulsory practical training part so everyone will gain some practical experience for future use. [caption id="attachment_19580" align="alignright" width="300"] Students attending Catlyn's Basics of International Relations course.[/caption] Whom is the programme for? We are interested in students who want to learn and who have an interest in social sciences. We have students from Europe, Asia, and Africa; and from varied backgrounds. The programme is for those interested in getting their first taste of university and a start to their life, and also to those wanting a broad approach as their second degree. What about afterwards? Any jobs requiring a social science degree are good for you. Social science graduates don’t have specific job plans like doctors or teachers but that is not a problem. Our graduates have mostly moved on to the next level of academia and postgraduate studies but some are working instead or on the side. Many have continued their careers in social sciences and are working as PR people or for international organisations as an example. Still have questions? Instructions on how to contact us are on our website and you are welcome to ask us anything! Text by Catlyn Kirna (Tallinn University School of Governance, Law and Society, the Head of the Liberal Arts in Social Sciences programme).  

Read more about the Liberal Arts in Social Sciences programme and admission requirements from our webpage.

Ask our student ambassadors what they think about the programme: tlu.ee/ambassadors.