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Bachelor of Arts in Arts

1.1 Description

This degree programme is one of the oldest programmes in the history of Makerere University and in the Faculty of Arts where students offered a combination of Mathematics, History and English from way back in the late 1940s. Other subjects included social studies and geography. The programme which remains popular to date, entails the study of disciplines in the humanities. It equips students with critical thinking skills that enable them to be systematic, holistic and organized in light of the various disciplines. The programme comprises various subjects that are offered in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. At the time of admission, the student is offered three subjects to study and there is provision for them to apply for change of subject if they so wish, provided it fits within the available subject combinations. In the second and third year, the student registers for a major and a minor subject. This makes this programme one of the most flexible in the university.

1.2 Generic justification

This programme is important to society because of the diverse knowledge and skills that it offers the students. This accounts for the high level of success enjoyed by graduates when they leave Makerere University. It effectively allows students to design their studies according to individual persuasions. In Uganda today, the humanities subjects are taken at all the first two levels of the education system and at subsequent levels these subjects are taught at tertiary level. This gives students the ability to comprehend and explain phenomena in the society and the world.

The justification of the BARS is as follows:

  1. It will promote and strengthen critical, liberal, and analytical faculties that are key to addressing societal problems.
  2. The course will equip students with research skills and harness their aspirations.

1.4 Programme Objectives

The objectives of this revised programme include:

  1. To expand students’ knowledge of human cultures and what makes us human.
  2. To equip students with diverse ideas across the world and broaden their knowledge with critical thinking skills for societal transformation.
  3. To enhance students’ knowledge of the human condition especially in relation to behaviour, ideas and values expressed in the works of human imagination and thought.
  4. To equip students with skills to communicate clearly and effectively solve problems.
  5. 5.To acquaint students with ethical issues, moral consciousness, positive attitudes, personal responsibility and civic sense.

1.5 Programme Outcomes

It is expected that graduates of BARS will be:

  1. conversant with cultural values, historical awareness and appreciate diversity.
  2. analyse issues and contribute to transformation of society.
  3. Have enhanced creative and imaginative skills.
  4. communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
  5. understand ethical issues and take personal responsibility.

4.0 Entry Requirements

The programme is open to students from any academic background.

4.1       Direct Entry

The BARS entry requirements shall have two essential subjects, one relevant subject, two desirable subjects

4.2       Mature Age Entry Scheme

Under the Mature Age Entry Scheme, candidates who are at least 25 years old may apply to sit the Mature Age examination. Those who are successful in both the written and the oral examinations are then considered for admission.

4.3       Diploma and Degree Holders’ Entry

A degree or a Credit Diploma from a recognized institution of higher learning.

4.4 Allocation of subjects

4.4.1 A Student admitted to BARS shall be allocated subject(s) that they offered at A’ Level and scored a minimum of a principal pass in said subject(s).

4.4.2 A student could also be allocated subjects not necessarily offered at A level e.g. Philosophy, Communication Skills, Organisational Studies.

4.5 Duration

The Curriculum duration for the BARS shall extend over a period of three academic years.

4.6 Designation of the Award

4.6.1 After satisfactory completion of the programme, candidates will be awarded a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Arts.

4.7 Tuition Fees

The fees for the privately sponsored students on the Degree programme shall be that which is charged for BARS as advertised per academic year or per semester for both Ugandans and non-Ugandans. The fees are subject to change as and when the University Council decides so.