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, which is a bonus.
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 majors or 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:
▪ Finance & Accounting
▪ Management & Economics
▪ Entrepreneurship & Tourism
▪ Politics & Government
▪ Sociology
▪ Law
▪ Nutrition & Physical Education.
School of Humanities and Fine Arts
The School of Humanities & Fine Arts offers students (8) Eight concentrations from which to choose. They are:
▪ Performing Arts Dance
▪ Performing Arts Drama
▪ Performing Arts Music
▪ Performing Arts Dance and Theater
▪ Performing Arts Music & Theater**(This course is only available after advising and feasibility is determined).
▪ Performing Arts Music and Dance
▪ Art & Design
▪ Modern Languages
School of Science and Mathematics
The School of Science & Mathematics offers students (6) six concentrations from which to choose. They are:
▪ Natural Science (Options A, B & C)
▪ Environmental Science
▪ Green Engineering
▪ Food Science
▪ Computer Science
▪ Information Technology
Liberal Studies Option
The Department of Liberal Arts is mindful that the students entering the program may not be sure what they want to study and so, a Liberal Studies option is available to students that may not fit into any of the concentrations listed above. Such students will choose 3 subjects from a list of options, on which they will focus. Selecting this option will mean that your choices are limited to courses on offer that do not clash with any other.
Subjects may be selected across faculty, but students must have the prerequisite
CXC CSEC Certificate to qualify to do each subject they wish to pursue. Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies are common across all programs. To qualify for this option, the candidate will be screened and evaluated to determine if they have the prerequisite subject and if that is the best fit for them.
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.
Program Structure & Delivery
The Department operates on a semester basis:
Semester 1 – August
Semester II – January
Summer Semester
A student failing a course will have to retake it when it is offered again in the corresponding Semester I or II. Courses offered in the Summer Semester are Electives and some Foundation/ General Education Courses only. Summer Semester will follow an afternoon schedule.
Credit Requirements
All courses earn 4 credits per semester except for electives and Orientation Seminar Course. To successfully complete a program of study, students will complete 71 credits. Credits are distributed as follows:
48- 56 Credits from Core Courses or Concentrations
12- 19 Credits from Foundation or General Education Courses (namely Communication Studies, Caribbean Studies, Foundation Math, and Integrated Mathematics).
3 Credits from an Elective (1 elective)
Zero (0) Credits for the Orientation Seminar Course (this course is a requirement to qualify for graduation and is taken in the first semester.
Entry into each program is determined by the concentration selected with a minimum of 5 subjects. All students must have English to qualify. For all concentrations in the School of Science and Mathematics, Mathematics is a requirement. Please note that additional subjects are a plus.
Full-time students 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 courses, 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 expected completion time for part-time students varies based on the course load they carry.
Full-time students pay EC$2,000 each year. If courses are taken during the Summer Semester, there is a cost of EC$500.
Part-time students pay EC$400 per course.
Students will also be expected to pay CAPE fees. These fees are subject to change based on the fees set by Caribbean Examination Council.
Students must invest in a personal laptop.
General Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of a program of study means that you have passed all your courses, met the credits requirement of 71 credits, and you have attained a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.00. The College does not graduate students with GPA below 2.00.
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 June. 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.
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.
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!
Effective January 12th 2026, all students will be expected to be in uniform across all campuses. Year 2 students have the option of wearing their previous uniforms.
Under the uniform policy, students should wear their ABCAS polo shirt and black pants/skirt and black shoes guided by the details in the dress code. All students should be guided by the details in the dress code for adherence to required standards of attire, hair and jewelry.