What is humanities and why should you study it?
As humanities is the study of human culture, history and experience, it is a subject that will always be relevant. If you are looking at studying a degree in this interesting subject, but have no idea where to start, we can help.
The International Foundation Year at Dublin International Study Centre is an excellent starting point for your humanities study. Here you will find expert support and teaching, giving you a confident start before your undergraduate degree.
What is humanities?
Humanities is a selection of academic disciplines that study areas such as human experience, culture, philosophy, history and more. They focus on what it means to be human by exploring societal, cultural and ethical ideas.
Why study humanities?
If you’ve found yourself asking ‘Why study humanities?’ we have the answers for you! Below are some of the top benefits of studying this interesting subject.
Develop critical and analytical thinking
The ability to think about problems and ideas in an analytical or critical way will have a great impact on your future career. During your degree you will build independent thinking skills that allows you to evaluate ideas, arguments and evidence – skills that employers highly value.
Improve communication skills
Your communication skills, both written and verbal, will also strengthen. Discussing ideas with classmates and using those new critical and analytical thinking skills you’ve developed, will help make you an excellent communicator in both verbal debates and written essays.
Understand society, culture and global perspectives
Studying humanities allows you to gain a better understanding on how humans think, feel and express themselves. During your degree you will explore human history, culture and social issues, developing a deep cultural awareness and global understanding.
Gain transferable skills for a wide range of careers
Transferable skills are of the best benefits of university level learning. These skills can be applied to a wide variety of careers and will make you a standout graduate. Some of the skills you will develop include:
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Communication
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Research
Enhance employability and career flexibility
Alongside transferable skills, you will also develop employability and career skills. At University College Dublin, students learn through a combination of industry-informed teaching and research-driven study. Projects, case studies and placement opportunities allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, helping graduates develop the skills needed to succeed in a competitive global job market.
These opportunities not only prepare you for a career within humanities, but they also allow you to stay adaptable to different career options in an ever-evolving job market.
Career options in humanities
Some of the top careers in humanities include:
Director of human resources
The director of human resources oversees all aspects of a company’s HR function, including recruitment, compensation, benefits and employee relations. They also help shape workplace culture by developing and implementing effective policies for managing and supporting staff.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and represent clients in legal matters. Their work includes drafting legal documents, conducting research, interviewing witnesses, attending court hearings and preparing arguments for cases.
Diplomatic agent
Diplomatic agents represent their country in interactions with foreign governments and officials. They negotiate policies, arrange agreements and work with other diplomats to maintain positive international relationships.
Art director
An art director is responsible for developing the visual concept for advertising or marketing campaigns. They lead creative teams and coordinate design and imagery to ensure all visuals align with the overall campaign vision.
Brand manager
A brand manager oversees how a brand is presented to its audience through marketing, social media and promotional materials. They ensure the brand’s messaging consistently reflects its values, identity and positioning.
Therapist
Therapists support individuals experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. They assess their patients’ needs and provide treatment through counselling, talk therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
Historian
Historians study and interpret the past by researching primary sources and historical records. They produce articles, books and documentaries, and may also provide expert insight for projects that require historical context or analysis.
Study humanities at Dublin International Study Centre
Start your humanities study journey at Dublin International Study Centre with a degree preparation programme. Here you will find a supportive community, expert teachers and small class sizes designed to give you a confident start to university learning.
The International Foundation Year in Business, Social Science, Arts & Humanities is the perfect choice for students looking to learn more about humanities while boosting their English language and academic study skills. The successful completion of the programme, with the required grades, allows you to progress to the first year of a humanities-related degree at University College Dublin, a world top 120 university (QS World Rankings 2026). University College Dublin is also ranked among the world top 100 for Arts and Humanities, and world top 200 for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). From this International Foundation Year, you can progress to innovative related programmes at University College Dublin.
Find out the entry requirements, fees and visa information for your programme at Dublin International Study Centre.
FAQs
What is the main focus of the humanities?
The humanities focus on understanding human culture, ideas, history, language, and society. They explore how people think, communicate, and interact with the world.
Is studying humanities worth it?
Yes, studying humanities is worth it as it develops critical thinking, communication, and transferable skills that are valuable across many careers and industries.
What job is best for humanities students?
There is no single best job, as humanities students are suited to careers in law, business, media, education, international relations, and communications due to their flexible skill set.