Arts subjects, 'liberal arts' (USA), or the humanities are often considered to include:

• The classics

the study of the ancient European languages of Greek and Latin and their associated literature and culture.

• Literature

the study of important and established literary works, usually fiction, poetry and drama.

• Languages & associated cultural studies

these are often termed 'modern languages' or are grouped according to geographical area or language groups (e.g. Slavonic studies).

• History

this subject can focus on any historical period, in European historical studies either 'ancient' (before the fall of the Roman Empire) or 'modern' (after it).

• Philosophy

the study of thought and systems of understanding life and the world is one of the most ancient academic subjects, in European culture stretching back to ancient Athens and the Greek philosophers.  Philosophy continues to engage and be relevant - for example an innovative Masters degree * currently on offer at postgraduate level in London features Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence.

• Religious studies

the study of religion is the study of human cultures and self-expression.  Religious studies have been on offer at universities in Europe for hundreds of years.  Today, the subject is often studied for its own sake as a humanities degree, rather than as a stage of training for careers in religion, though many universities also award degrees to people studying in religious training colleges. 

• History of art

visual art charts the story of civilisations, and the history of art is an academic discipline which aims to deepen scholarly understanding of the greatest art-works.  History of art is a relatively recent degree subject when compared to philosophy or religious studies, but it remains a significant niche degree option, particularly for people seeking a career in the world of fine art (e.g. museum curatorship, working in fine art sales, etc.).

Science subjects are varied and many, and are normally considered to include:

• Biology

the study of living organisms and life processes.  Includes cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, zoology, botany, and ecology.

• Chemistry

the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.  Includes organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry.

• Physics 

the study of matter, motion, energy, and the interaction between them.  Includes mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum physics.

• Mathematics

the study of numbers, quantities, structures, spaces, and related concepts. Includes topics like algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and number theory.

• Astronomy 

the study of celestial objects and phenomena such as stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes.

• Computer Science

the study of computers, computational systems, and computation more broadly. Includes algorithms, programming, data structures, operating systems, and database systems.

• Earth Sciences

the study of the physical composition and history of the earth, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, environmental science, and paleontology.

• Engineering and related

such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, biomedical, automotive, and nautical.  Engineering applies scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems.

• Psychology

the scientific study of the mind, behaviour, and experience.  Psychology includes biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical psychology, among other branches.

• Medical sciences

a vast field of scientific enquiry and practice, focused on health and curing illness.

Here are some of the main areas of study within medical science:

Anatomy

The scientific study of the structure of organisms and their parts, key to understanding the human body.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes in living organisms, including biomolecules, metabolism, nutrition, genetics.

Immunology

The study of the immune system and its functions in maintaining health by fighting infections and disease.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, important for understanding infectious diseases.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and neurons.

Pathology

The study of disease processes, their causes, progression, and consequences, at molecular and macroscopic levels.

Pharmacology

The study of how drugs interact with biological systems, including drug development, dosage, effects and use.

Physiology

The study of how living organisms and their components function, examining cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Psychiatry

Focuses on treating mental health conditions through science-based diagnoses, therapy, and medication.

Here is a selection of specialisms in medical practice:

Dentistry

Concentrates on oral health, teeth, gums, and jaw structures. Requires expertise in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and materials science.

Ophthalmology

Focuses on the eyes and visual system. Includes optics, ocular anatomy/physiology, eye diseases, and surgical procedures.

Podiatry

Deals with the foot, ankle, and lower limbs. Covers topics like biomechanics, gait analysis, orthopedics, circulatory disorders, surgery, etc.

• Veterinary Medicine

focuses on animal health and disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It applies sciences such as zoology, pharmacology, microbiology, and surgery.

Social sciences tend to combine elements of scientific study with broader, humanities-related topics.  The following subjects are usually classified as social sciences:

• Business

focuses on how organisations operate and make decisions regarding management, marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and so on.

• Economics

the study of how societies allocate resources to produce goods and services. Analyses economic theories, policies, optimisation, forecasting.

• Geography

examines spatial patterns and processes influencing human activities, settlements, and the environment. Includes physical and human geography.

• International Relations

analyses political, economic and social interactions between countries. Includes foreign policy, globalisation, international institutions, conflict, and cooperation.

• Law

the study of legal systems, laws, institutions, and principles through cases, policies, codes, and legal reasoning.

• Political Sciences

studies political systems, ideologies, behaviours, public policies, distribution of power and authority in societies.

• Psychology

the scientific study of mental functions, behaviours, and social interactions in individuals and groups.

• Sociology 

examines social structures, institutions, stratification, cultural norms, social change, and human social behaviour.

Studying humanities can be an exceptionally fulfilling and effective way of preparing for a wide range of careers.  

Studying humanities allows you to explore some of the most interesting and complex aspects of human activity and achievement.  

Studying humanities also teaches you how to think creatively, rigorously and consistently, and can allow you to make and understand links between all sorts of areas of human endeavour.

In a world where AI and automation are set to become ever more important at work, the ability to think clearly and creatively - with a sound basis for thought in excellent general knowledge and cultural awareness - is more important than ever.

Studying humanities has traditionally led to careers in which the ability to analyse and to communicate are foremost requirements.  As advanced technology continues to dominate the world of work, the boundaries between humanities and the sciences will become much more fluid, with top humanities graduates being increasingly highly prized for their ability to bring cultural awareness and sophisticated thinking, creative, ethical, and interpersonal skills to the workplace.

Studying social sciences can be an attractive option to students who enjoy both the rigour and detail of scientific enquiry and the creative dimension of humanities subjects.  In combining aspects of both the humanities and the sciences, social science degrees can give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in specific contexts, and to engage in active research.

Studying social sciences allows you to learn and engage in research methods to study aspects of society and, often, to identify how society can be changed for the better.

Studying social sciences also enables you to think critically and to address real-world problems in imaginative ways.

Social sciences graduates are valued for their capacity to think both creatively and analytically.  They develop strong research, writing and communication skills which will be valued in a range of contexts.

In terms of traditional career-paths, a social sciences degree could prepare you well for a career in law, business, government, research, marketing, to name a few obvious options.  As AI and automation continue to re-fashion professional work, the need for highly-skilled, versatile and adaptable professionals will increase, and so a social sciences degree will continue to prepare students well for multi-faceted and fast-changing careers.

Science degrees enable you to engage at the very highest level in the practical and theoretical aspects of scientific enquiry.  If you are really interested in the nature of things, in how things work and are put together, then a science degree will allow you to pursue that interest into a lifetime of fulfilling work.

Science is everything and everywhere.  At this stage, if a career in science attracts you, you should already be thinking about which aspects of science particularly fascinate you.  This process of identifying your interests should be fairly straightforward, as you will know what you are interested in!

Science degrees require the highest level of application and attention to detail.  They can lead to an exceptional range of careers: whether you wish to be a medical doctor, a bridge-building engineer, or to develop the latest AI applications (to take three random examples), you will need to take a science degree.

Science degrees tend to involve high entry requirements - this is because the specialist study inherent in an undergraduate degree needs a very high degree of technical understanding and competence.  In other words, you'll need excellent, specific A Level results to study science at university.

If studying a science or a science-related subject at university appeals to you, you will need to make your subject a passion, and ensure that you work to a very high standard at school so that you are able to enter the university of your choice, and to start your university studies from a position of strength.