Eliza – Year 12 Student
Editor’s Note: Year 12 Student Eliza T has written this article to demonstrate how important Humanities are to the University curriculum, and how important they are to consider when applying for University. EB
Foreword: EB
This article discusses the importance of studying Humanities at degree level. As more and more Universities reduce their Humanities departments and number of courses – it is important that we advertise and remind you all of the opportunities that Humanities offers. I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at degree level, and English Literature at Masters Level and I will be saying a few things as to why I chose to do this. In addition, Eliza has written an article as to why she wants to study English Literature at degree level and her encouragement for others to do the same.
The Humanities sector offers a quiet and unassuming power into the wider world. Historically, it was set out in education for:
‘Students to consider our world, learn empathy for others, and process ideas. Creativity, originality, and differences are encouraged. Without the humanities our world and schools would be bland and lack innovators that can and will change the world.’ (https://www.humanitiestexas.org/news/articles)
And I believe that is what the Humanities sector still achieves to this day, and what it needs to continue to achieve in the future. I chose to study English Literature at higher education because of three things: firstly, I enjoyed it at school. When picking what you want to do when you’re older, go back to basics and ask yourself: what do I actually enjoy? Not what you should do, or what will get you the best career – but what you truly enjoy and get excited by in school. I adored the ability to escape into another realm, another world and then come back and analyse what the author was doing, what the author was creating.
Secondly, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up and I knew that Humanities doesn’t have a specific set of skills, however, they do offer something better: transferable skills. These are the skills that can be applied anywhere and in any job: critical thinking, problem solving, analytical detailing, and many more. In a world full of technology that relies on constant communication, the Humanities courses offer the ability to become the best at exploring, examining and critiquing what is being said, how it is being said and how you can use that to be your very best.
Thirdly, I wanted to know more about the world. I wanted to know more about what has happened, is happening and will happen. In Humanities you explore cultures and societies; and you will learn about other people, form your own opinions, and pick what theoretical lenses you think have the most impact and, most importantly, you will be able to learn more about yourself.
Thus, although the Humanities sector doesn’t specify a certain job, and doesn’t always look like it holds up against the likes of STEM, IT and Business in the career sector financially. It offers something that they don’t – creativity, individuality, and the chance to think a little bit deeper and wider about the world that surrounds you.
Article: ET
Recently there have been many advertisements released by the UK Government pushing for careers in STEM. What is STEM? STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and has been deemed as a critical, valued field that will “set you up for life”. These pushed opinions on a developing field has likely led to the number of University students looking to study a Humanity dropping by 40,000 in the last 10 years. (iNews). Whilst important for an ever changing world, society and workforce, it is still important to make sure not to overlook the alternative. A degree in the Humanities has recently come to develop strong associations with words such as “worthless” and “unemployable” (BBC), a generalised idea that is not at all true. In fact a degree in subjects such as English Literature is one of the most beneficial degrees a person could obtain. Hopefully within this piece you may find some advice/information that could apply to you, and even if you are in Year 10/11 believing that this decision is way off, the need to start considering A-Levels and making decisions is key and could impact your future career.
Whether you go on to become self-employed, or work for a large (or small) company, English Literature proves your linguistic talents, demonstrating that you are able to analyse and be critical about a source. It also combines aspects of history through contextual studies, such as looking at playwrights from the 16/17th century like William Shakespeare to 21st century Alan Bennett. English will ultimately form a foundation for a cultural understanding. Furthermore, you demonstrate the quality of being able to interact and contemplate scholar’s interpretations that work at an extremely high level. This understanding proves your academic mind-set, and suggests that you are able to be flexible in your working style as you can develop new interpretations of a single piece of work!
At University, the “English” in “English Literature” becomes wider as you are able to express interest and study many cultures books and literature. Set in numerous new lands and traditions – books, plays and poems are able to open your eyes to a wider audience. And unlike GCSE and A-Level courses, students are able to be flexible in their learning, choosing perhaps to study Gothic Literature over American, or focusing more on plays and dramas rather than contemporary reads. The horizons are pretty much endless and simply depends on the choice of University and what they provide.
English Literature as a degree is one that will open endless doors for you. If you are looking for a career in journalism, teaching, law, or even want to become your own author, it would be highly beneficial. Perhaps however, you still thoroughly enjoy other subjects and are torn between choices. Well this is not an issue, simply explore the options of a combination of subjects in a combined degree. Perhaps you could consider English Literature and Classics or even English Literature and Language. Universities throughout the UK provide numerous courses that can combine undergraduates a chance to develop their strengths in multiple areas.
Entering a University classroom with students who all share your passion, are open for discussion and feedback on topics that you might never have considered would allow you to explore an environment that you may not otherwise have. However, if social group work is not something you want to be engaged with all the time, there is still a high amount of individual work, allowing you to develop independent research skills! So, whether you have a passion for reading, analysis, content, or history, I would highly recommend engaging in research for an English Literature degree. With STEM becoming increasing popular and the arts and humanities slowly fading away and becoming less prominent, it’s important to remember that these career paths are still available for you. Humanities, whether in History, Geography, Art or English will provide you with a great deal of knowledge and insight leading you to the perfect career. English especially will open so many opportunities for you, even if there are a lot of essays! It will definitely be worth it.
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