BA vs BSc – what is the difference?

With the variety of degrees available nowadays, it can be simpler than ever to find a course that is tailored to your specific goals. However, understanding the difference between degree types may not be as straightforward, and can leave you feeling confused.

Your background, your interests, and your career goals will all influence whether you decide on choosing a BA or BSc degree. It’s important to understand your options, and to know what the differences are before you make that decision. A bachelor’s degree can be an excellent way to improve your work prospects, boost your knowledge of a particular area of interest, and can even equip you with key skills that may be an asset to you in your future career.

In this article, we’ll look at the difference between BA and BSc degrees. By explaining key differences between these degree types, and showing examples of the potential career pathways that graduates with these degrees can pursue, we’ll give you the tools to make the right decision for your future.

What is a BA?

BA is short for Bachelor of Arts. A BA degree usually takes around 3 years to complete, but this can depend on course choice, the University you are studying at, and where the University is based. 

BA degrees are usually linked with humanities subjects such as English, psychology, history, creative writing, and foreign languages. With a BA degree, you will gain broad knowledge of a subject, while improving your critical analysis, communication and creative thinking skills.

What can you do with a BA degree?

There are many careers that a BA degree can lead to, including those in:

• Journalism: Graduates with BA degrees often work in reporting, editing, or other media publication-based roles
• Art/Design: With a BA degree, it is possible to pursue a career in copywriting, art direction, or graphic design, to name a few examples
• Business: Many graduates can find a rewarding career in management, marketing, or finance-based roles
•  Law: Graduates with BA degrees can go on to pursue careers in law, as lawyers or legal assistants
•  Education: Teaching, tutoring, and other education-based careers are often pursued by BA graduates

What is a BSc?

BSc stands for Bachelor of Science. These degrees also take around 3 years to complete, but this can depend on course choice, specific University, and where the University is based.

A BSc degree is usually linked to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, including the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computing science. 

Studying a BSc degree will equip you with knowledge of a specific subject, using laboratory work, and scientific/mathematical coursework to build your critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

What can you do with a BSc degree? 

With a BSc, graduates can progress to roles in the following areas:

•  Scientific: Many graduates pursue careers as researchers, laboratory technicians, or join master’s programs to build their expertise
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, and civil, or healthcare roles such as nurses or medical researchers
• Business/Accounting and Finance: Graduates with this focus can pursue careers as actuaries, financial analysts, accountants, or in data driven business management roles such as supply chain management

Key differences between a BA and a BSc

As discussed, BA degrees are usually associated with humanities subjects, with more focus given to discussions, critical analysis, theory, and analysis than on scientific/mathematical concepts. BA degrees can also focus on discussing complex cultural/societal issues, improving debating skills and deepening understanding of different viewpoints.  

BSc degrees are often based on specific STEM subjects, focusing on data analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking, and will examine complex scientific or technical concepts. In a BSc degree, you may find that you will be required to use scientific concepts to solve real-world problems, with the aim of building your data analysis and scientific research skills.

With a BA degree, you can develop your creative thinking, communication, and critical analysis skills while gaining broad knowledge of a subject area. With a BSc, you can develop your ability to understand complex topics from a logical, scientific, and analytical perspective with a focus on a specific subject area. 

What are the entry requirements for BA and BSc degrees?

Bachelor’s degrees are often taken as undergraduate degrees, and entry requirements can vary depending on what subject you want to study and where you want to study it. 

Check out our BA and BSc degrees to see examples of entry requirements, modules/coursework, and differences between BA and BSc degrees on offer

It is also important to note that even if you don’t match the entry requirements exactly, many universities do encourage applications from students without the required grades. 

In the UK, this is part of an approach to improve access to higher education. You should always ask your chosen University about how they can potentially support you in your application if you don’t meet the entry requirements

How to choose between a BA and a BSc

Choosing between a BA and BSc ultimately is based on your interests, what career path you want to follow. To make the best decision for you, here are some things to think about:

• Choose a course on a topic that genuinely interests you and look at the modules offered
• If you have a specific career pathway in mind, does the course/module choice look relevant in helping you reach this goal?
• Read through what modules/classes are offered and see if these align with your expectations (such as time spent on practical work, types of coursework required, teaching hours you’ll receive). Check out our BA and BSc degrees for examples of learning outcomes and typical modules

Final thoughts

By understanding the differences between BA and BSc degrees, you are already making a good first step to ensuring that the course you pick will not only be exciting, challenging, and rewarding, but also relevant to your personal goals. 

Regardless of which pathway you choose, BA and BSc degrees are an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to pursue the future career or further education pathway of your choice.