After completing class 12th, students have the option to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Hons degree as one of their preferred career paths. This course is predominantly chosen by students with Humanities backgrounds but it is also open to those studying Science and Commerce streams.
The BA program offers a diverse range of specialisations, including traditional subjects like English and Philosophy, as well as trending ones such as Psychology, Sociology, Management, and even Math!. With plenty of options available, there are numerous opportunities for specialisation in this field after high school. Check out this blog that breaks down the key aspects of a BA Hons degree abroad, shedding light on its specialisations.
What is a Bachelor of Arts?
A Bachelor of Arts is a university degree for undergraduate students that includes specialisations in many subjects, from Humanities to Science. This program can be found in universities overseas with various fields of study available. In contrast to a Bachelor of Science, a BA usually gives students more freedom in picking courses, thus getting an interdisciplinary education. The program can help you acquire an appreciation for different cultures, while also building skills in key areas like research, critical thinking, writing, and communication. The list of most popular specialisations in BA are listed below:
| Popular BA Hons Programs in Social Sciences and Humanities |
| English Literature |
| Psychology |
| Political Science |
| Economics |
| History |
| Sociology |
| Communication Studies |
| Fine Arts |
| Anthropology |
| Philosophy |
| International Relations |
| Linguistics |
| Media Studies |
| Gender Studies |
| Music |
| Theatre Studies |
| Geography |
| Environmental Studies |
| Film Studies |
| Creative Writing |
| Education |
| Criminology |
| Business Administration |
| Accounting |
| Marketing |
| Human Resources Management |
| Journalism |
| Public Relations |
| Advertising |
Why Study Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Arts degree has become one of the most popular courses, both in India as well as abroad, with over 9 million students seeking one. Following high school, you should pursue a BA for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Compared to bachelor’s degrees in science or business, a bachelor’s degree in the arts gives more career alternatives.
- A Bachelor of Arts concentrates on a wide range of concepts as opposed to a BSc, BBA, or BCom, which is focused on a specific area.
- Graduates with a BA degree can find employment in any field, including healthcare, teaching, human resources, corporate spaces, research, and even IT and finance.
- Lastly, it helps students understand the importance of interdisciplinary education. Students of BA hons abroad get to choose from a variety of electives that broaden their horizons, hence allowing them to discover the undiscovered.
Eligibility Criteria
For students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree abroad in a top university, one must fulfil these admission requirements:
- The student must finish class XIIth from an approved central or state examination board.
- PTE/TOEFL/IELTS in order to demonstrate English proficiency
- SAT and ACT scores need to be included when applying for a BA course in any top university.
- Academic transcripts
BA Admission Process
The following requirements must be fulfilled by students in order to be admitted to BA courses:
- According to the requirements of the university and the course, every student must have passed the 12th board exam with a minimum of marks in the necessary or related disciplines.
- In case the board exams have not taken place yet, students must send a copy of accredited predictive scores to their choice of institutions
- Depending on the university, students must submit their IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or ACT results. On the basis of merit, students may also utilise their results from the 12th board exams to be eligible for admission.
- Along with all standardised test scores mandated by the university, students must prepare a setallar Statement of Purpose that explains their academic journey and why they will be the perfect candidate.
- In order to finish the admissions process, some colleges even hold entrance tests for certain Bachelor of Arts specialisations.
Top Universities for Bachelor of Arts Abroad
| QS Arts and Humanities World Rankings | College Name | Country | Fees (INR) |
| 1 | University of Oxford | UK | 33,27,800 |
| 2 | Harvard University | United States | 35,54,730 |
| 3 | University of Cambridge | UK | 25,71,500 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley(UCB) | United States | 31,76,500 |
| 5 | Stanford University | United States | 13,32,500 |
| 6 | Yale University | United States | 41,60,800 |
| 7 | New York University | United States | 40,00,000 |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | United States | 24,48,500 |
| 9 | Princeton University | United States | 40,61,500 |
| 10 | Columbia University | United States | 45,00,000 |
Top BA Degree Courses
| Specialisations in BA | |
| Language (English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese/ Mandarin, Greek, Japanese and Latin) | Political Science |
| Psychology | Philosophy |
| Sociology | Economics |
| History | Archaeology |
| Communication Studies | Religious Studies |
BA Career Prospects and Scope
Post the completion of your studies, you can venture into fields that pertain to your subject matter. Here is a table that further explains some popular job profiles amongst international students who pursue a Bachelor of Arts abroad.
| Job Profile | Responsibilities | Average Salary (USD) |
| Economist | Conduct surveys, collect and analyse data, provide interpretations and forecasts on economic topics like fiscal policy. | $100,000 |
| Executive Assistant | Manage schedules, communication, calendars, events, and meetings for key executives. | $60,000 |
| Operations Manager | Oversee operational activities, manage employee hiring, quality assurance programs, and ensure smooth organisational functioning. | $80,000 |
| Marketing Manager | Lead all marketing functions, including advertising, market launches, email campaigns, and social media strategies. | $90,000 |
| Business Development Manager | Identify new market opportunities, develop a network of contacts, and build a clientele to drive business growth. | $70,000 |
| Communication Manager | Manage communication processes, create clear and impactful content to inform stakeholders across the organisation. | $85,000 |
| Assistant Professor | Assist senior professors, prepare course materials, deliver lectures, and evaluate student performance. | $65,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | Recruit and retain talented employees, develop policies to benefit the organisation. | $80,000 |
| Graphic Designer | Create visuals and designs for effective communication, including magazines, labels, and advertisements. | $55,000 |
| Compliance Advisor | Provide legal advice to financial institutions, guide them through regulatory processes. | $75,000 |
FAQs
What is the cost of studying BA abroad?
The cost of studying a BA abroad can depend on your location, university, and choice of program. On average, a Bachelor of Arts abroad costs anywhere between $15,000 to $60,000 per year for tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
Is IELTS mandatory for studying BA abroad?
Many international universities as well as countries require some proof of English proficiency. Hence, taking standardised tests like PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL can lead to a successful letter of acceptance and student visa.
What are some of the most popular BA courses abroad?
Some of the most popular BA courses pursued abroad include English Literature, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, History, Sociology, Communication Studies, Fine Arts, and Anthropology. Programs like International Relations, Media Studies, and Gender Studies are also gaining traction.
What are the highest-paying jobs after pursuing a BA abroad?
After completing a BA abroad, some of the highest-paying jobs include roles like Economist, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager, Business Development Manager, Communication Manager, and Compliance Advisor. With the right experience and skills, these positions can command salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or more annually.
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