I’ve been assigned a transfer student from the UK as an academic advisee.  On his application form, he lists his intended major as “BAMA”, which means nothing to me in this context.  Is it a standard acronym/initialism in the UK for some field of study?

I assume he means BA MA (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts).  “Arts” covers a multitude of disciplines, as does “Science”, eg you can be awarded a BSc in a modern language.

Or maybe

What is BAMA?

BAMA is “Person lacking style”

I assume he means BA MA (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts).

That occurred to me, but as you point out, those are degrees that can be earned in wide range of disciplines, not fields of study themselves.  Moreover, my college does not offer Master’s degrees in anything.

I haven’t heard of such an acronym in the UK. I note that the University of Illinois uses B.A.M.A as an acronym for a course to complete the BA and MA degrees in a shortened period of time but I can’t find a British instance.

I managed to get in touch with the student himself, and although he didn’t explain “BAMA” he tells me that he wants to major in mathematics.  Perhaps he meant to write “BA MATHS” and something startled him while he was typing.

Thanks, Eliza and aldi.

Yes, the thought of even a day of ma is enough to startle me.