Event Offering Insight into Liberal Arts held for Prospective Students
Recently, the College opened its doors to welcome prospective students from across Ireland, and further afield, to the annual “Insight into the Liberal Arts” programme. Over forty upper-sixth-year pupils and their parents or guardians came to hear more about this degree programme and where it might lead.
The afternoon began with a welcome from Widening Access Officer, Susan Morgan. This was followed by an “Introduction into the Liberal Arts” presented by Jonathan Worley, Director of the Writing Centre and Senior Lecturer in English. As well as explaining the nature of the degree, he outlined the various elements of study and gave examples of where such a degree can lead.
In particular, Jonathan emphasised the multi-disciplinary nature of liberal arts study and the importance of developing the ability to read, write and discuss issues critically: “A liberal arts education is an adventure that involves intensive study in a range of subjects. Students get to choose a favourite subject of study but are also exposed to international studies, politics, cultural history, philosophy, the world of work and economics. At a more practical level students complete two work placements and take courses to further develop their professional skills in reading, writing, public speaking and IT”. He said that the study of the liberal arts was an adventure to be approached with enthusiasm and creativity.
Our Liberal Arts 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: accountancy and finance, business management, teaching and education, youth and community work, human resources, PR, marketing and events management, the sports industry, IT and software development, retail management, social work and charitable and not-for-profit work.
Following the main presentation, there was the chance for students and their parents to meet subject lecturers and current St Mary’s students. This was a perfect opportunity to ask any questions they had about the course and to find out a little about student life. The afternoon closed with a tour of campus facilities led by St Mary’s student ambassadors.
