What are the views of liberal arts students?

Students studying liberal arts courses express positive and negative sentiments regarding their educational experience. On the one hand, they appreciate the engaging lecturers who genuinely care about their work and well-being, the exciting content, and the varied module choices that allow them to explore different subjects and skills.

On the other hand, students often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of coursework and assessments, leading to stress and decreased motivation. They also express frustration with the lack of clear guidance on achieving top grades, sometimes unclear or unhelpful office hours, and difficulties in getting timely feedback from seminar leaders.

Some students struggle with the independent nature of their studies, feeling that they have not been adequately taught how to undertake self-directed work and lacking confidence in their abilities. Additionally, there are concerns about accessibility, both physical and mental, as well as the need for more study spaces and support services.

The module selection process is also a source of discontent, with students often not getting top choices due to limited availability or clashes with other modules. Furthermore, some students feel that specific departments or staff members are more supportive than others, leading to an uneven educational experience.

Despite these challenges, many students value the opportunities outside their core modules, such as societies and extracurricular activities, which they believe enrich their university experience. However, there is a sense that the bureaucracy and administrative aspects of university life can be overwhelming and sometimes neglect the needs of disabled or neurodivergent students.

Overall, students' experiences in liberal arts courses are shaped by various factors, including academic rigour, teaching quality, support services, and personal circumstances. While many students appreciate the stimulating nature of their studies, they also face significant challenges that can impact their well-being and academic success.