What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word humanities? Hopefully, it’s not something along the lines of ‘easier than science’. There is so much more to it. Humanities is a discipline that studies human society and culture. There are several distinguished universities around the world for students who want to specialize in this field. Here are the top 10!
University of Oxford
This England-based university does not require any introduction. With world-class facilities for every course that is offered here, The University of Oxford is considered to be one of the best universities in the world. They have digitized the humanities course and in addition to this, they have plenty of historical sources such as the Bodleian library which is a great help to the students.
Link: http://www.ox.ac.uk
Harvard University
It is the oldest institution for higher studies in the US. The Harvard University has the largest academic library in the world where you can bury yourself deep in books. And if you don’t feel like walking up to the library, then no problem because the library will come to you. Not quite literally, but they have a complete digital collection too. If that doesn’t impress you, get ready to meet and greet world-class leaders, Nobel prize winners, renowned artists – some of whom might even turn out to be your professors and mentors. So all in all, your study here will definitely live up to your expectations.
Link: https://www.harvard.edu
University of Cambridge
The School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Cambridge has a score of 98.4 in the world. This department is affiliated with the Center for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH), which “supports, promotes and conducts interdisciplinary research of the highest order”. Since Humanities is a subject which requires more of practical studies, Cambridge University ensures that its students get access to many museums, art exhibitions, theaters, orchestral concerts, ballet and so much more, for doing their research work and getting some entertainment along the way.
Link: https://www.cam.ac.uk
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
The campus is located in sunny California across the bay from San Francisco, so there is no doubt that you will find the weather pleasant. Its large faculty, the College of Letters and Science, which includes the school of Arts and Humanities, awards its students with the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. They too have digitized their humanities course, which means you can sit in your dorm and study.
Link: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu
Stanford University
Stanford University is known for its leading arts and humanities courses. Its excellent infrastructure consists of Cecil H. Green Library and the Cantor Center for Visual Arts Museum. And that’s just not enough to sum it up. With 24 galleries, sculpture gardens, terraces and a courtyard, you will find that Stanford does not do ordinary. An impressive 277 of Stanford’s scholars are members of the highly regarded American Academy of Arts and Sciences. And someday you could be too. There is no scarcity of activities here for you to get involved in. They also provide resources for advising, counselling, internships, research and also encourage students towards extracurricular activities.
Link: https://www.stanford.edu
Princeton University
Princeton University has its own Arts Museum, which was established in 1882 to enable students to be enriched and inspired by access to original works of art. It contains over 92,000 objects, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. Six members of Princeton University’s faculty of humanities have won the National Humanities Medal. Talk about getting some first-hand pragmatic knowledge. Needless to say, you will definitely find your thirst for knowledge quenched here.
Link: https://www.princeton.edu/academics/areas-of-study/humanities
Australian National University
Hailing from the land down under, ANU has consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. Located in Canberra with a campus that is spread over 145 hectares of parkland and an architecture that looks more like an art museum, you will find this university drawing you in with its excellent academic facilities. College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) is a division of the Australian National University. It’s Humanities Research Center (HRC) was established in 1972 as a national and international center for excellence. It is also a catalyst for scholarship programs in collaboration with the ANU.
Link: http://www.anu.edu.au
College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Tokyo:
All first and second year students study a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Aiming at cultivating ‘cross-border knowledge’ within students, the Senior Division of the College of Arts and Sciences provides education that focuses on humanities, sciences, and interdisciplinary areas integrating arts and sciences. As a humanities student, you will find yourself very lucky to be here. With Japan’s rich culture and history, you would be able to learn a lot. The faculty is inspiring and constantly looking out for their students, even helping with the scholarships programs, both private and non-private.
Link: http://www.iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp
School of Humanities at the University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The students at HKU are taught to observe the world critically, think creatively, understand complex histories in depth, develop a strong moral sense, document the present with maximum objectivity, and strive for a civilized, beautiful, harmonious environment. This is done through critical and creative courses that emerge from their expertise in the study of human histories, cultures, and works of art, language and thought.
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Australia:
This is part of the University of Melbourne, Australia. Their programs are state-of-the-art and their academics encourage critical inquiry, creativity, and a questioning of ideas and theories. This is one of the most reputed university so once you take admission here, you are bound to feel privileged and bright. There is a well-developed exchange program that exchanges with the prestigious universities like Oxford and UC Berkeley. The university is also quite apt at providing funds and facilities.
If you ever get a chance to study abroad, don’t miss it. There are scholarship programs in the above-mentioned universities that will provide you with financial aid. Furthermore, getting a stamp of these internationally-acclaimed universities will boost your career as you will find yourself with several job opportunities once you have graduated.
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