Arts graduates 'earning as much as A-level leavers'
10-09-2007
Arts graduates could soon be faced with the realisation that their chosen degree subject was not a prudent career choice.
The Institute of Education has conducted a study which suggests that under-graduates embarking on an arts or humanities degree course may struggle to cover the cost of their university expenses when they enter employment, as they will simply become part of a surplus of arts graduates already in the same situation.
However, lead researcher Dr Anna Vignoles notes that a number of degree courses will see graduates reap the rewards of higher education.
"Some graduates in highly valued subjects, such as accountancy, will continue to profit from the amount they spent on their degrees," she comments.
Dr Vignoles states that many arts graduates are earning the same amounts as those who finished their education after A-levels.
She adds that this evidence is important as it reinforces the cost benefits of some degree courses compare to others.
A recent survey by Ernst and Young has found graduates place development and training high on their list of priorities when seeking employment.