Are humanities degree in the UK still worthwhile?

Often, when people are deciding what academic route to take at university, they are put off a humanities course by someone well-meaning. They argue that technical or vocational subjects are more likely to secure you a high-paying job. As a result, people with a passion for a humanities subject often choose a subject less close to their hearts. For example, maybe you are interested in art and design courses in the UK but are being persuaded to consider law instead.

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The Study of Humanities in the UK

The purview of the study of humanities in the UK is the study of human behavior and interaction in its various social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political contexts. The Humanities degree in the UK considers past and present difficulties and future possibilities in both individual and global settings. Perhaps when a few people attended university, the choice of the subject didn’t matter. It’s almost essential to have a university degree to have a rewarding career, and subjects that don’t have immediate practical application often look less attractive.

What qualities and abilities do you need to succeed in a Humanities course?

You’ll need a wide range of abilities to make it as a professional in the Humanities degree in the UK. For a job in the humanities, you’ll find these abilities beneficial among the many necessary ones-

Communication skills

The ability to express oneself in writing is a crucial skill for any lawyer to have. In order to present information in a way that is understandable, clear, and rational, it is essential to have strong communication skills, whether verbal or written. You won’t get very far as a lawyer or attorney without strong verbal and written communication abilities, both in court and while drafting letters and other legal papers.

Questioning

Your ability to ask pertinent questions is directly related to your professional performance as a lawyer. You’ll need to know how to ask questions effectively in a variety of settings, from casual conversations with coworkers and clients to cross-examination of witnesses on the stand.

Evaluating skills

When working in the field of humanities, reading extensive volumes of material and data is an essential component of any daily routine. To avoid missing crucial details, it is essential to sort through the mountain of data and determine what really matters. Researching and assessing skills are also important when conducting case research, producing legal papers, and providing advice to clients on complex situations.

Thinking Critically 

Humanities majors would benefit greatly from developing their critical thinking skills. A person’s ability to think critically is a valuable asset in any profession, since it allows them to assess circumstances and make well-considered choices. Humanities professionals are expected to empathize with their clients, analyses their situations critically, and come up with creative solutions to their challenges.

Transferable skills

Humanities degrees teach you how to think critically, to examine, and to marshal evidence. They teach you how to construct arguments and broaden your perspective on the world. They may not lead to a particular career, but they equip you with a range of analytical and creative skills that are highly valued in the workplace. It’s not for nothing that 60% of US CEOs have an academic background in the humanities. You can find humanities graduates working in senior positions in government, business, finance, and across the voluntary sector. They are the people running innovative start-up companies and enriching our lives by creating great art and culture.

Employers looking for soft skills

A survey by LinkedIn of some of the skills that employers were most looking for in potential employees discovered that 57% of senior leaders prioritized so-called ‘soft skills’. These included creativity, adaptability, persuasion, adaptability, and time management. These are precisely the kinds of skills that a traditional humanities degree can help you develop. A large percentage of the world’s leaders have a background in the humanities, like UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is a graduate of the classics.

Best universities for humanities in the UK

Here are the top UK universities for humanities degree-

University of Glasgow

Established in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest English-language academic institution worldwide. Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is home to one of the world’s top 100 universities, the University of Glasgow. Its 26,000 students come from more than 120 different nations.

Course– International Relations BA (Hon’s)

University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield, in the city of the same name in northern England, is one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. The University of Sheffield, which was established in 1905 through the consolidation of three schools, is home to more than 28,000 students from more than 120 different countries and is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings. 

According to a Times poll, students at the University of Sheffield rate it the best in the country for overall satisfaction.

Course-

• Applied Social Sciences BA (Hon’s)
• Quantitative Social Sciences BA (Hon’s)

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds has one of the largest selections of undergraduate and graduate programs in the UK. These programs range from English language and an International Foundation Year to hundreds of different majors and PhD programs. Graduates from the University of Leeds can be found in influential roles all over the world, and their degrees are highly regarded by both employers and other academic institutions.

Course: Social Sciences BA (Hon’s)

Cardiff University

According to external government rankings, Cardiff University is among the best in the UK in terms of both education and research.  Nearly 30,000 students, including nearly 10,000 international students, are currently enrolled at the Welsh University due to its excellent modern facilities and dynamic approach to teaching, as well as its distinguished history of recent triumphs.

Course–

• Human and Social Sciences BSc (Hon’s)
• Social Sciences BA (Hon’s)

Nottingham Trent University 

Although one of the largest law schools in the United Kingdom can be found at Nottingham Trent University, the institution is more recognized for its Art & Design, Fashion, and creative arts departments. Sports teams from the University regularly place highly in the British University and College Sports leagues. It has earned one of the largest grants given to a university established after 1992, allowing it to continue its groundbreaking research into cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Course–

• Politics and International Relations BA (Hon’s)
• Psychology (Forensic Psychology) BA (Hon’s)
• Professional Policing BA (Hon’s)

Career Opportunities for Humanities in the UK

The job market for this field of study is robust and stable, as was previously noted-

As a graduate, you might want to think about the following job opportunities:

• Business analyst
• Journalist
• Consultant
• News producer
• Copywriter
• Educator
• Research scientist
• Foreign Service officer
• HR Executive
• Market researcher

Follow your passion

People who decide to undertake a humanities degree are usually passionate about their subject. That passion can lead to a higher degree classification and better job prospects overall.

If your passion is history, English or the arts don’t be put off studying it at degree level. It could well be a passport to a fulfilling and exciting career. A UK education consultancy such as AZH Associates will be able to take you further.

Get in touch today to find out more.

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