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Are Arts courses dying out?

21st November 2017 Posted by: Becca Fadden

IF you are a student, and especially an arts or humanities student, you will no doubt be aware of the rivalry that can exist between arts/humanities and science students. As an former media production student, I spent three years being the butt of jokes by friends who were studying more “academic” subjects like chemistry and psychology. They trivialised the work I was doing because it was creative and subjective, rather than the subject of an exam with only one correct answer. Many members of older generations believe there are few career prospects for those wanting to study arts courses, thinking that they won’t find a job because they haven’t got a “real” degree. Arts students, of course, think that this isn’t true, and believe that arts degrees can teach students a wide range of transferrable skills, along with specific skills for that student’s chosen career field. But are we right? Are these arts courses dying out? Are fewer people studying the arts, and what are the implications of this?

Student World Online | Arts Courses

Roman Kraft

According to research, the popularity of arts and humanities subjects are decreasing in both the UK and USA. UCAS revealed that 17,000 fewer students applied for creative courses between 2016 and 2017. Considering there was an overall drop of 30,000 applicants, creative courses accounted for over half of this significant decrease. These courses cover design, art, craft, music, drama, dance, photography, writing, film and media.

So why is this happening?

One possibility is that young adults are choosing degrees with clearer career paths, such as engineering, medical sciences and natural sciences. With the rising costs of education, living and the resulting debt, it is no wonder many are looking to the future when selecting their courses, wanting a promise of a defined career with a good salary and promise of progression. Whilst a career in the arts can be creative and challenging, many contracts are short term or freelance, not offering the guaranteed monthly salary that other industries can. Another possibility is that those who are interested in a career in the arts go about it in non-academic ways – either through apprenticeships, short courses or interning.

One implication of arts courses being less popular is the effect it may have on government funding in the future. If fewer young people are studying this area at university, it may cause more funding to shift away from the arts towards STEM subjects. Over the past decade, arts funding has been drastically cut in every new government budget, with more and more venues, courses, arts schemes shutting down year on year – can the arts industry survive with less support and less money?

One potential plus side is that If there are fewer students opting to take arts courses, then hopefully the demand for them will rise. Apart from the practical skill that is the main focus of the degree, arts courses teach creativity, innovation, initiative, diversity, problem solving and teamwork – all skills that are vital in any chosen career path.

Student World Online | Arts Graduates

Caleb Woods


 


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