BA Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences degree

The BA Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences degree is a three year, non-Honours degree

To qualify for the award of the degree, students must have obtained the following:

360 credits in total, incorporating:

  • 240 credits at SCQF Level 8 (Pre-Honours) or higher
  • 140 credits must be in any one subject of study in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (this is called the ‘major subject’). These should be related and consecutive courses over three years of study, of which 60 credits must be SCQF level 9/10 (courses generally taken in the Honours years)
  • A minimum of 200 credits must come from courses in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • In addition to the major subject, courses in at least two other subjects of study - defined as 40 credits at SCQF levels 7-10 in that subject

Designated Disciplines

It is also possible to be awarded a BA (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) with a Designated Discipline. The requirements are the same as above, with the exception that 160 credits in a major subject are required, with 80 credits required at Honours level (SCQF level 9/10).

The Designated Disciplines available in the School of PPLS are:

  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • English Language
  • Linguistics
  • Linguistics and English Language

Merit and Distinction

Both the BA Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences degree and BA Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in a designated discipline are not classified. Instead, the BA degree may be awarded as a pass, or a pass with Merit or Distinction.

  • For Merit, a student must achieve a grade of B or higher at the first attempt, in courses totalling 180 credit points. At least 40 credit points must be at Honours level, and 80 credits must be SCQF Level 8 (Pre-Honours) or higher.
  • For Distinction, a student must achieve a grade of A at first attempt, in courses totalling at least 160 credit points. At least 40 credit points must be at Honours level, and 80 credits must be SCQF Level 8 (Pre-Honours) or higher.

Regulations

Regulation 66 of the Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study contains more information on the requirements of the BA (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) degree.

Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study

Students currently studying on the BA (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) degree are not able to transfer from the BA degree to another Honours degree at the University of Edinburgh. It is not possible to apply for readmission to an Honours degree at the University of Edinburgh in cases where a student has graduated with a BA (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) degree after having been unable to fulfil the requirements for an Honours degree. (See Regulation 60 of the Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study for more information.)

Careers and Further Study

The Careers Service provides advice on careers and further study opportunities after your degree.

Careers Service

Questions and Support

If you have questions about the BA (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) degree in the School of PPLS, please contact the PPLS Student Support Office or your Personal Tutor.

Student Support Office

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