A student pursuing studies in the Department of Liberal Arts can expect, in two years, to earn a dual certification of an associate degree in their respective field and CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) Certification. The department follows the CAPE syllabus for most of its courses. Additional one-semester foundation and elective courses complete the associate degree framework.
The department aspires to deepen knowledge in the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences. 
It promotes educational opportunities that are responsive to the needs of society and shapes students to succeed in a global economy. While students have the option of not sitting CAPE exams, we strongly encourage them to take these exams because they must complete the same level of work in pursuit of the associate degree and, where a student may not have been successful in an internal final exam, a pass at CAPE will act as a re-sit grade. Additionally, they benefit from having dual qualifications.
The Department of Liberal Arts has three (3) schools, namely, Social Science, Science and Mathematics, Humanities and Fine Arts offering associate degrees with a variety of concentrations. The options are outlined below:
School of Social Sciences
The School of Social Science offers students (7) seven concentrations from which to choose. They are:
School of Humanities and Fine Arts
The School of Humanities and Fine Arts offers students (3) three concentrations from which to choose. They are:
School of Science and Mathematics
The School of Science and Mathematics offers students (4) four concentrations from which to choose. They are:
Our Liberal Arts students have the widest array of subject choices within their chosen disciplines. There are 29 core subject options and a slate of 8 electives from which to choose. To meet entry requirements students should have on their transcript at minimum a 55% or better average or CSEC pass (Grades I, II, or III) in the associated prerequisite subject.
Entry into each program is determined by the concentration selected. However, all students are expected to have English. For all concentrations in the School of Science and Mathematics, Mathematics is a requirement. Please see below for an outline of the programs and the minimum entry requirement. Please note that additional subjects are a plus.
School of Social Sciences
Finance – Prerequisites (4): English, Math, POA, POB
Management – Prerequisites (4): English, Math, POA and POB
Entrepreneurship – Prerequisites (3): English, POA, POB
Politics and Government – Prerequisites (2): Social Studies OR History, English
Sociology – Prerequisites (2): English, Social Studies OR History
Law – Prerequisites (2): English, Social Studies OR History.
Nutrition and Physical Education – Prerequisites (5): English, Social Studies, POB, Physical Education OR Biology OR Human and Social Biology OR Integrated Science, Food and Nutrition OR Physics
School of Humanities and Fine Arts
Performing Arts Dance – Prerequisites (4): English, History OR Social Studies, POB OR POA and any other subject.
Performing Arts Music – Prerequisites (5): English, Music, History OR Social Studies, POB OR POA and any other subject.
Performing Arts Drama – Prerequisites (5): English, Theatre Arts, History OR Social Studies, POB OR POA and any other subject.
Art and Design – Prerequisites (5): English, Visual Art, History OR Social Studies, Spanish OR French (if choosing a foreign language core course), and any other subject.
Modern Languages – Prerequisites (4): English, French OR Spanish, Social Studies OR History, any other subject
School of Science and Mathematics
Science: Option 1 – Prerequisites (4): Math, English, Biology, Chemistry
Science: Option 2 – Prerequisites (4): Math, English, Physics, Chemistry
Science: Option 3 – Prerequisites (5): Math, English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Environmental Science – Prerequisites (5): Math, English, Geography, any other Science Subject, any other subject (POB is plus)
Food Science – Prerequisites (5): Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Food and Nutrition
Computer Science – Prerequisites (4): Math, English, IT, requisite Science subject
Information Technology – Prerequisites (4): Math, English, IT or EDPM, requisite Social Science or Humanities subject
Program Structure & Delivery
The Department operates on a semester basis:
Semester 1
Semester II
Summer Semester (Optional)
Courses offered in Semester I are prerequisites for those offered in semester II. A student failing a course will have to wait to retake it when it is offered again in the corresponding Semester I or II. Courses offered in the Summer Semester (Optional) are Electives and some Foundation Courses only. Summer Semester will follow an afternoon schedule.
Credit Requirements
Our courses are 4 credits except for electives and some mandatory Foundation Courses which are 3 credits. To successfully complete a program of study students will complete a minimum of 67 credits. Total credits per program range between 67 and 71 to qualify for graduation. Credits are distributed as follows:
48- 56 Credits from Core Courses or Concentrations
12- 19 Credits from Foundation Courses (namely Communication Studies, Caribbean Studies, Foundation Mathematics).
3 Credits from an Elective (1 elective)
Click here to learn more about course content from these links to the CXC CAPE descriptions!
A student choosing any of the above options can expect to complete their study in two years as laid out in the Curriculum Plan, which each student will receive upon successfully entering the program. To this end, a student should expect to carry a maximum number of 5 subjects, or 6 where necessary per semester. A student desirous of carrying a heavier load will have to seek permission from the Head of Department.
The CXC CAPE examination schedule typically runs from April to early July. Students are adequately prepared for and given ample notice of the exam dates. Lecturers guide students in preparation of all SBA’s, so they are poised to succeed.
As a CXC CAPE examination center, our college has an annual registration period beginning the 2nd week of October in the year prior to examinations being held. These external examinations have an additional fee which are separate from the College fee payments.
All examination payments must be completed by the last week of November in preparation for exams. As a result, students must confirm their courses and payments before receipt of timetables in the upcoming year. All communication about CAPE to students will be sent to their college emails.
With the advent of online administration of CXC Exams, students are advised to acquire a laptop for the duration of their study and certainly for this event. Device system requirements can be requested from admissions@asc.edu.ag.
General Graduation Requirements
Successfully completing a program of study means that you have passed all your courses to meet the credits requirement of between 67 and 71 credits and you have a minimum 2.00 GPA (Grade Point Average).
Graduating with Honors
Students with a GPA between 3.60 and 3.84 will graduate with Honors.
Students with a GPA between 3.85 and 4.30 will graduate with High Honors.
Recognition For Outstanding Work
Our graduation ceremony is held in October. Accolades for graduands who are awarded honors are imprinted on the degree document and these persons wear designated regalia at the ceremony. Graduands who excel to emerge top performers in their programme and department are awarded plaques.
Click Apply Now to create an applicant account and fill out our online application form. Applicants should be legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda and must submit documentation in support of this to have their application processed.
Applicants who have been offered a place and do not register before the first week of classes will be subject to a late registration fee up to the end of Week 3. Students must be in attendance for the first class session of week 3. Thereafter, the offer of a place is automatically deferred to the next entry period for the programme.
Fees are due upon registration.
We invite you to explore and develop your potential with us as we look forward to celebrating what you left with us as much as what we gave you to take away when you graduate. Join us on the hill!
