The degree in Liberal Arts at St Mary’s is unique and innovative. It offers focused study in one academic discipline as well as broad interdisciplinary development, which is the key feature of a Liberal Arts education. It provides students with a breadth of knowledge that comes from learning how the modern world works, and it develops within them the skills to succeed in new and challenging situations. It is designed to promote the growth of the whole person and to encourage the development of positive values, personal integrity and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society.


On Monday, 11th April, the College opened its doors to welcome prospective students—from across Ireland and beyond its borders—to our annual “Insight into the Liberal Arts” open event. Around fifty upper-sixth (year fourteen) students and their parents and guardians joined us to learn more about Liberal Arts and where a BA Honours degree in Liberal Arts can lead.

The event began with a welcome from the College’s Widening Participation Officer, Susan Morgan. The welcome was followed by an informative presentation given by the Liberal Arts Programme Coordinator, Fr Feidhlimidh Magennis. As well as explaining the nature of a Liberal Arts Degree, Fr Magennis outlined the various elements of the course and gave examples of where such a degree can lead by displaying photographs and quotations from recent graduates. Our graduates have been successful in obtaining places on a wide range of postgraduate study programmes and in gaining employment in a varied range of professions including professions within the fields of accountancy and finance, business management, teaching and education, youth and community work, human resources, public relations, marketing and events management, the sports industry, IT and software development, retail management, social work and charitable and not-for-profit organisations.

Following the main presentation, there was a chance for students and their parents to meet subject lecturers and to ask any questions they had about the three-year course. Additionally, Trevor Abbott, the College’s Academic Registrar, and admissions staff were available to respond to any enquiries regarding applications and entrance requirements. The afternoon closed with a tour of the campus led by St Mary’s student ambassadors.