“Medicine, law, business, engineering- these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life but poetry, beauty, romance, love…, these are what we live for.”
– Robin Williams, The Dead Poet’s Society
Before we shortlist the best global universities for arts and humanities, let’s take a look at how this highly conceptual, stimulating field is perceived by students.
Humanities is indisputably the most underrated stream in high school and beyond. It’s a pity that a lot of students and parents consider Humanities as a last option, to be chosen only when the scores aren’t enough for Science and Commerce and when the school committee isn’t giving in to your pleas of grace marks.
Contrary to student notions, Humanities is a competent academic discipline that has a plethora of career options for the deserving. Humanities encompass a wide range of subjects such as history, languages, literature, law, philosophy, religion, performing arts, anthropology, communication, sociology, psychology, and many others.
Whatever your academic or professional goals, the arts and humanities provide a vital foundation for exploring and understanding our world. There are scores of humanities and arts universities across the globe that not only expose students to the subtle nuances of the stream but also open a wide array of options for them to take their interest forward as a career option. Let’s take a look at some of the top universities offering sought after courses in humanities:
University of Oxford
Needless to say, Oxford is perhaps the most respected and reputed university in the world not just in arts but across various disciplines. The humanities stream covers history, classics, theology, and religion, and of course the most sought-after course, English literature. The university caters to over 20,000 students in an academic year and yet its rate of admission remains significantly low. More than a third of its students are international who go through a rigorous process and training to gain admission to the University of Oxford.
Harvard University
If humanities is where your heart is, Harvard is where you should be. Not just the college, but the alumni and current students vouch for the way the arts are taught in the college. The freedom of choice and creative liberty you get at Harvard is unparalleled. You can immerse yourself in your interests and create a path for yourself. In addition, Harvard has a wealth of resources created by the faculty and the alumni that will be of immense importance to you during your academic years.
University of Cambridge
The School of Arts and Humanities in Cambridge is a large group of academics, students, and staff drawn from all the related disciplines. Cambridge's notoriety for excellence in the Arts and Humanities is built on exceptional teaching and international research. The university oversees a thriving arts community and fosters students and offers a high-grade undergraduate education, brilliant teachers, and learning facilities.
University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley's Arts & Humanities department is a rewarding and fulfilling destination for scholarship, reasoned argument, and passionate engagement in human culture. Berkeley's international-level faculty and students are at the heart of all the reasons that make it the greatest university in the world! The university has 19 departments and 11 programs. The college is shaping the next generation of critical thinkers, creators, and innovators through its comprehensive programs.
Stanford University
Stanford undergraduates spend their time understanding the past, questioning the present, and imagining the future. The university lays the foundation of critical thinking by way of its in-depth courses in the humanities and arts. The school boasts 48 departments and programs and lays the foundation for a liberal arts education. The university has a perspective altering curriculum and a range of career defining courses available.
Humanities inspire creativity, provide opportunities for exploration of foreign culture, promote social justice, and while it can be surprising to many, improves critical and analytical thinking as well. If you have a passion for arts and wish to pursue higher education in Humanities in one of the leading universities, book a consultation with us to kick-start the exciting journey.