Are arts degrees a waste of time?

Arts student · 24-11-2010 07:33PM #1

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 · 24-11-2010 07:34PM

Lol...Arts...

Dudess · 24-11-2010 07:38PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:39PM

Yeah ya goin to be an artist of wha'

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

RonMexico · 24-11-2010 07:39PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:40PM

Thread of the year

PeterIanStaker · 24-11-2010 07:40PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:41PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:43PM

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

gsxr1 · 24-11-2010 07:45PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:48PM

My ex done an arts degree in UCG

She is now a barrister.

Dudess · 24-11-2010 07:49PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:50PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:50PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:50PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:50PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:51PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:53PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:53PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:55PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:56PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:56PM

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 · 24-11-2010 07:56PM

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

Nemanja91 · 24-11-2010 07:58PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:01PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:01PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:04PM

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! · 24-11-2010 08:04PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:05PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:06PM

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 · 24-11-2010 08:06PM

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

Are arts degrees a waste of time?

Do you think an arts degree is a waste of time? 221 votes

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