Are arts degrees a waste of time?

Arts student

I’m currently undergoing an arts degree and have a friend doing an engineering course who is always taking the mick out me for doing a “useless” or “mickey mouse” degree etc. Now don’t get me wrong the man is just having a bit of a laugh, but I’d like to know what some of you out there really think.

Are courses such as English, Geography, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Languages, Politics etc a waste of time in comparison to let’s say Science, Business or Engineering courses?

TheZohanS

Lol...Arts...

Dudess

If you only want it for the purposes of getting a job, well, on its own, it can be a waste of time. Depends though on what subject(s) you do. Can't think of any arts subject though that would be of use to you job-wise now in this country, apart from languages. Virtually no teaching jobs. Maybe there are archaeological jobs, I don't know.

The above as I said though, is only in relation to an arts degree on its own. An arts degree plus a practical postgrad is obviously a different story. And I think if you're passionate about, say, English and politics, you should study them.

talla10

Yeah ya goin to be an artist of wha'

I think its a degree that gives ya a backdoor to other courses...

RonMexico

Arts student wrote: »

I’m currently undergoing an arts degree and have a friend doing an engineering course who is always taking the mick out me for doing a “useless” or “mickey mouse” degree etc. Now don’t get me wrong the man is just having a bit of a laugh, but I’d like to know what some of you out there really think.

Are courses such as English, Geography, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Languages, Politics etc a waste of time in comparison to let’s say Science, Business or Engineering courses?

Sure what use is English, Geography, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Languages, or Politics.:rolleyes:

Gator

Thread of the year

PeterIanStaker

Yes absolutely - education is a waste of time. they should abolish it, that way the churches would be full and Fianna Fail would be forever in power.

BBMcQ

it's really what you do with it. A lot of people fall into a Arts degree but end up specializing once they get out of college. I'd definitely separate Psychology, Economics, English etc from History, Philosophy, Geography, Green & Roman etc. Not putting the latter down, but I'm purely thinking about which degree is more useful is getting a job (don't hate me).

If he's doing any sort of engineering that relies on a buoyant construction sector, then I think you'll be having the last laugh!

meemeep

used to be a great way into the bank and the civil service:)

gsxr1

As a builder I never had to worry about Degree courses . Till now.

As construction work is getting more scarce , it makes me wonder if I should go back to 3rd level education .

Every 40k+ job I see requires some type of degree.

I wish it was 2007 again

AckwelFoley

My ex done an arts degree in UCG


She is now a barrister.

Dudess

Bit more than just an arts degree to be a barrister though.

gsxr1, since pickings are slim, try customer service. All the lads where I work, who used to work in construction, seem to be constantly getting promoted.

Chucky the tree

It depends what you want to do in life. If you have no idea doing an Arts degree with Economics or Poltics is a far better idea then doing one with Anthropology. But then again if you hate Economics or Politics doing a course in that just for the sake of it is stupid as well.

OctavarIan

Arts student wrote: »

Are courses such as English, Geography, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Languages, Politics etc a waste of time in comparison to let’s say Science, Business or Engineering courses?

English in most cases yes
Geography no
History yes
Anthropology yes
Psychology yes unless you are 100% sure why you're doing it
Languages hell no
Politics no

That said, just doing a science/business/engineering degree means feck-all if you don't apply yourself to it.

freckly

Sure who needs to speak languages when the world speaks English! We'll just have multinationals here and when they need language speakers they can recruit from abroad. Or maybe all the smart people who study real subjects like law and engineering can do it, it cant be hard to answer questions in French. If arts graduates can do it...

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

You will find that the general consensus is that they are a waste of time, but this normally comes from those people who seem to be somewhat jealous or envious.

Goodluck with your degree, may it serve you well in the future.

FreudianSlippers

Arts student wrote: »

I’m currently undergoing an arts degree and have a friend doing an engineering course who is always taking the mick out me for doing a “useless” or “mickey mouse” degree etc. Now don’t get me wrong the man is just having a bit of a laugh, but I’d like to know what some of you out there really think.

Are courses such as English, Geography, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Languages, Politics etc a waste of time in comparison to let’s say Science, Business or Engineering courses?

Those classes are not a waste of time, but an arts degree overall may be unless you want to teach or work in a museum.


That being said, all undergraduate degrees are not enough in the modern world. If you want to be competitive you need a postgraduate degree.

Dudess

Khari Prehistoric Submarine wrote: »

You will find that the general consensus is that they are a waste of time, but this normally comes from those people who seem to be somewhat jealous or envious.

Or who have degrees that actually get them jobs? I don't understand why you say that, doubt it's true.

I have an arts degree and wouldn't change a thing - definitely the right degree for me to do - but the fact is, it's not always a practical course. And education for the sake of education is lovely, but it won't put money in your pocket.

muffy

Arts Degrees are as useful, if not more useful, than business degrees- they foster creative thinking, organisation skills, the ability to express oneself in a variety of registers, and depending on subjects might offer more specific skills or knowledge, for example language skills, knowledge of psychology, new ways of thinking due to exposure to ideas in philosophy. All of these skills are important in business. I did a business course for a year (a highly respected one)- it was all rote learning, and very little engagement with actual concepts and contexts. A good Arts Degree would say more about a persons actual ability to use their mind.

FoxT

Education always has both personal value & economic value.
Talented people with Arts degrees will do well in the jobs market.

However, not all Arts degrees are created equal. A person with a degree in Mathematics may be able to find work more easily than a person with a general arts degree for example.

I also cannot help feeling a little cynical about the Arts degree industry - the course content seems quite basic & nonspecific. I think at least some of these courses are potboilers for the institutions that run them.

PrincessLola

Yes, yes they are. Sure lets make them illegal and turn all colleges into trade schools instead; everyone must learn a specific trade chosen at age 17. Won't it be great? A world of 'useful' people like laywers and accountants :pac:

Seriously tho, there's nothing wrong with wanting to do something broad after the leaving cert, asking a seventeen year old want career path they want to go down for the rest of their life is alot to ask.

Dudess

OctavarIan wrote: »

English in most cases yes
Geography no
History yes
Anthropology yes
Psychology yes unless you are 100% sure why you're doing it
Languages hell no
Politics no

How do you think geography and politics would be useful? Just wondering.

freckly wrote: »

Sure who needs to speak languages when the world speaks English! We'll just have multinationals here and when they need language speakers they can recruit from abroad.

Well languages obviously broaden your horizons. I regret so much not continuing them into third level. Well I did, but was too lazy to study hard enough to keep on Spanish after first year.

poisonated

It is interesting and allows you access into a variety of masters courses.

Nemanja91

Sure everyone takes the Mick out of arts students but it depends what you want to do with it, I now a lot of people who did arts cause they couldn't think of something else but if you hve it planned out you'll be grand, I'm studying construction and as soon as I graduate I'll be leaving this god forsaken country.

longhalloween

After successfully finishing my Arts degree I can say YES! It was a massive waste of time.

Switch to a science or engineering course. At least at the end of it you can get a job in the field that you studied, instead of going for something totally different.

AckwelFoley

Dudess wrote: »

Bit more than just an arts degree to be a barrister though.

Of course, but i suppose my point is - if you are not quite sure where or what you want to specialise in its a good springboard

Theres no such thing as a wasted education

Dudess

PrincessLola wrote: »

asking a seventeen year old want career path they want to go down for the rest of their life is alot to ask.

That's what I think is the dangerous line spun about arts degrees though: "It will open your options if you're not sure" when that can actually turn into "It won't give you options for anything in particular". Career guidance teachers should stop churning the former stock line out and advise kids that they should never do an arts degree just for the sake of having a degree and with a view to employment. It should be majorly emphasised that it's only worth doing if you're passionate about the subjects and want a validation of your ability in those fields. Job prospects come after that where arts (alone) is concerned.
I get annoyed when I think about how we were told you'll NEVER get anywhere without a degree. Bollocks. Doesn't mean I regret doing one though, but they're ten a penny nowadays.

Inverse to the power of one!

Supposedly only one per cent of the worlds population has a third level degree. Even if you choose the least relevant subjects to the industry you eventually seek work in, it still indicates that you have achieved a set level of education, and what you'll find is that the biggest obstacle to finding employment is not your degree, but your lack of experience starting out. But this is no different to how it was during the boom and how it always will be, It just means you gotta really gotta tough it out in your job hunting.

On the other hand, on passing your degree you will have the option of working as an English teacher in Korea or some other Asian countries, You will also have opportunities in countries outside of Ireland where graduates aren't as easily available or where they want an English speaker who is well educated.

The key barrier is gaining experience for industry, if you get the offer of an internship, take it and run. Despite Art's getting a bum rap, you'll often find grads from other facility's facing the same problem. Even the engineers will be getting a run for their money in this climate.

OctavarIan

Dudess wrote: »

How do you think geography and politics would be useful? Just wondering.

Foreign/international policy and climate issues are and will be on the agenda for the foreseeable future. Always work to be done with developing nations too. Granted you can do very specialised Masters but the more general arts courses are good to have as a foundation.

Dudess wrote:

Well languages obviously broaden your horizons. I regret so much not continuing them into third level. Well I did, but was too lazy to study hard enough to keep on Spanish after first year.

Totally agree with you there. Although the Leaving Cert was the extent of my language education I regret not keeping it up. Chinese would be a great language to have right now.

Riamfada

Not a waste of time, just a waste of money. Speaking as an arts graduate myself dont expect to get a job from your three years in college. At best expect to get a very low paid job.

Kev_ps3

Well I know only two people with Arts Degrees, both of them unemployed longer than a year.

mariaf24

I have an Arts Degree and it is possible to earn up to 40 euro an hour subbing which is what most of us do A Degree is a Degree at the end of the day, Arts, Law, Comm, You are all eligible to apply for the same Post Grads after your Degree.

Biggins

If someone came to me with an Arts Degree, I'd honestly wonder "What the hell can they do in practical terms?"

They probably could do something ...but I'd be scratching me head right away to think of something.

Riamfada

Doing an arts degree was the biggest mistake of my life. Im qualified to do absolutely nothing important or useful. My friends slagged me when we were in college, they are now buying houses and have IT jobs. I have the knowledge that Im uselessly educated and highbrow because I studied orts.

TheZohanS

muffy wrote: »

Arts Degrees are as useful, if not more useful, than business degrees- they foster creative thinking, organisation skills, the ability to express oneself in a variety of registers, and depending on subjects might offer more specific skills or knowledge, for example language skills, knowledge of psychology, new ways of thinking due to exposure to ideas in philosophy. All of these skills are important in business. I did a business course for a year (a highly respected one)- it was all rote learning, and very little engagement with actual concepts and contexts. A good Arts Degree would say more about a persons actual ability to use their mind.

*facepalm*

TanG411

My brother did an Arts degree in English and History, followed it up with a masters.

Now he has a teaching job lined up in England.

Now I'm doing an Arts degree in English and Maths so all my family are expecting me to do teaching. Lol, wait until I sign on, then we'll see who's laughing.

Dudess

mariaf24 wrote: »

I have an Arts Degree and it is possible to earn up to 40 euro an hour subbing which is what most of us do A Degree is a Degree at the end of the day, Arts, Law, Comm, You are all eligible to apply for the same Post Grads after your Degree.

Certain postgrads require certain undergrads though.

But a degree is never a bad thing. I wouldn't have been suited to any other course besides arts and I'm glad I have that qualification as a reflection of what I'm capable of (plus a masters). Not trying to scare people into not choosing arts - if you want to do arts, do it. But research it beforehand.

poisonated

I think the problem is that many people who do arts just want to go to college for the laugh. This speaks more about the person than the course. If you do arts and are able to apply what you learn, it can be a very valuable degree. That being said, there are very few high paying jobs that arts will get you into. That is why, as I said previously, you need to go on to do a masters after.

Pherekydes

Biggins wrote: »

If someone came to me with an Arts Degree, I'd honestly wonder "What the hell can they do in practical terms?"

Think?

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

I finished an Arts degree in May. English and History of Art no less. But in my defence there was no recession when I started and nobody had told me the truth about the world.

Oh and I'm on the dole, so in terms of getting a job that degree probably was a waste of time, or at least something that's going to need a masters before I'm very employable. In other ways it definitely wasn't a waste.

Riamfada

Sure the government pays for it. So what have you got to lose by doing arts.

mariaf24

Felipe Massive Vegetarian wrote: »

I finished an Arts degree in May. English and History of Art no less. But in my defence there was no recession when I started and nobody had told me the truth about the world.

Oh and I'm on the dole, so in terms of getting a job that degree probably was a waste of time, or at least something that's going to need a masters before I'm very employable. In other ways it definitely wasn't a waste.

Give a CV into every school in Co. Cork and say that you intend to do the PGDE (Former H.Dip) and ask that they consider you for subbing. I told my sister this and she got a call from a school the very next morning. Lots of teachers sick this time of year...

Nolanger

Arts student wrote: »

I’m currently undergoing an arts degree and have a friend doing an engineering course who is always taking the mick out me for doing a “useless” or “mickey mouse” degree etc. Now don’t get me wrong the man is just having a bit of a laugh, but I’d like to know what some of you out there really think.

If he thinks your Arts degree is useless because you won't get a job from with it and he will with an engineering degree then he's a fool.

muffy

TheZohan wrote: »

*facepalm*

Care to explain this in a full sentence, statement or phrase?

muffy

Biggins wrote: »

If someone came to me with an Arts Degree, I'd honestly wonder "What the hell can they do in practical terms?"

They probably could do something ...but I'd be scratching me head right away to think of something.

Define practical terms? I've listed the positive attributes of an well applied or well earned Arts Degree in a post above.

Handsome Bob

Do a **** Arts degree which you barely passed then yes it's a waste of time. Perform well for your 3 years in Uni and you can do further study and specialise in anything you want.

To say in absolute terms that an Arts degree is a waste of time is a lazy generalisation based on lazy stereotypes.

muffy

poisonated wrote: »

I think the problem is that many people who do arts just want to go to college for the laugh. This speaks more about the person than the course. If you do arts and are able to apply what you learn, it can be a very valuable degree. That being said, there are very few high paying jobs that arts will get you into. That is why, as I said previously, you need to go on to do a masters after.

You need a masters after everything these days though. A degree in business is basically a degree in glorified pencil pushing. As far as I know, engineers really need to specialise these days as well.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Dudess wrote: »

Or who have degrees that actually get them jobs? I don't understand why you say that, doubt it's true.

I have an arts degree and wouldn't change a thing - definitely the right degree for me to do - but the fact is, it's not always a practical course. And education for the sake of education is lovely, but it won't put money in your pocket.

I mean people think they are a waste of time... for some reason or another. I don't know, I don't think they are a waste of time. If you are going to study something for 4-7 years, study something you enjoy.

mprop

Personally - I went to college for three years, my career has nothing to do with what I did there - much like most of the former arts students I know.

I think college should be charged for by a low interest loan from the government. If that had been in place I think I would have joined the work force straight away, I'd be no better off!

Biggins

muffy wrote: »

Define practical terms? I've listed the positive attributes of an well applied or well earned Arts Degree in a post above.

Hands-on type of work that is more physical than of mental application capacity.
(I'm NOT implying that one is better/easier or more important than the other)

muffy

Biggins wrote: »

Hands-on type of work that is more physical than of mental application capacity.
(I'm NOT implying that one is better/easier or more important than the other)

I don't think as many degrees as you would think offer "hands on" experience/skill teaching in a literal sense. Degrees from the IT's possibly more than university.