In defence of English Literature degrees

This week the Guardian, among others, reported on Sheffield Hallam University’s decision to withdraw its English Literature Degree. The argument for this (although to be fair it is one disputed by Sheffield Hallam) is that it is what Ministers refer to as a ‘low-value course’. New proposals being brought forward mean that universities could face penalties if “fewer than 75% of undergraduates complete their courses and fewer than 60% are in professional jobs or studying for a further degree within 15 months of graduating.”

The implication seems to be that studying English Literature may give you a decent grounding in dinner party discussion, but is of zero use in the real world… certainly in terms of securing a job.

This is palpably nonsense.

The skills learned through achieving a degree are wholly transferable to the job market. Researching projects; writing ideas coherently; presenting your ideas to others; dealing with the pressure of the deadline… is the subject matter really relevant?

And focusing in on English Literature degrees in particular… I think it’s fair to say that a pre-requisite of studying for this particular degree is the ability to ‘string a sentence together’… to use the northern vernacular. At 50 Degrees we’re in the bid writing business, and the importance of being able to write well cannot be understated. We have to present information clearly, accurately and make sure complex information is presented in a readily understandably way. Experience has shown that many very clever people (who may have completed a very prestigious degrees) simply don’t have that skill.

Using 50 Degrees as a quick case study… we have recruited four graduates in the last two years. One holds one of these apparently ‘not good for much’ English Literature Degrees. We also have graduates in Geography, War Studies and Holocaust Studies. I can’t say with certainty that ministers would class these as ‘low-value’ degrees, but I think it’s likely. Also, our most recent (super talented) Consultant recruit has an English Literature degree… and I should also add that 50 Degrees Co-Director (aka the boss) Emily Bagley-Duncan has an English Literature degree. A pattern may be emerging.

Our Grad recruits are remarkably talented and have shown an unbelievable ability to adapt to their new roles, by delivering research, supporting solution development and writing proposals that have supported our clients to deliver improved public services. It’s worth mentioning that these public services involve supporting unemployed people, young people and prisoners. Feels high-value to me.

To put it another way. If you’re considering doing an English Literature degree then go and do it, and when you’ve finished if you’re interested in applying to 50 Degrees then we’d be more than happy to give you an interview.

John Ashworth
Managing Consultant