For ages, there’s been a persistent dichotomous view of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) versus AHSS (Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences). Science and maths get all the glory as practical, profitable subjects. While the arts are seen as a ‘nice to have’ which is not economically useful [1].
Government funding reflects this. In consecutive years, the UK government has cut art education funding and then put it towards STEM and medicine courses [2]. Politicians think putting on a play or drawing a picture won’t grow the economy like designing a new gadget or equation.
Let’s think again. Is it truly a showdown between economic stability and whimsical passion when it comes to choosing between STEM and AHSS? It’s time to demolish the stereotype of the impoverished painter or novelist toiling away in a freezing garret – today’s arts graduates are just as employable as science and maths students, and often have more flexible and rewarding careers.
Put Down Your Calculator! An Arts Degree Opens Just as Many Doors
New research by the British Academy shows that grads in AHSS subjects build highly transferable skills, allowing them to adapt and thrive across a range of professions [3]. The research finds that 88% of arts and humanities grads were employed soon after university – exactly the same as those studying STEM. In fact, arts graduates were more likely to find work in faster-growing sectors like media, culture, and the creative industries.
Figure 1: Employment rate of graduates in the UK workforce by subject group, Labour Force Survey, 2017
While many people may think grads in STEM start on higher salaries, art students catch up over time as they progress up the career ladder. After ten years, earnings growth is the same across most subjects. So much for the ‘starving artist’ cliche!
Figure 2: Top 10 subjects’ average annual wage growth rate, The British Academy, 2019
What Makes Arts Graduates Thrive in the Job Market?
In their research, the British Academy attributes arts grads’ success to their gaining skills like communication, collaboration, independence, creativity, and adaptability, which are invaluable across all industries. While robots may take over routine tasks, most human abilities like creativity, empathy, and lateral thinking are tougher to automate. So studying arts and humanities equips students with future-proof skills.
Figure 3: AHSS graduates have the skills that employers value now, and skills for the future workplace, The British Academy, 2019
Additionally, most arts subjects give you an overview of culture, society, and history. This context helps students understand people and navigate the changing world. Even an ‘obscure’ degree like classics or philosophy builds analytical abilities and intellectual flexibility prised by employers.
The research also shows that arts grads are more adaptable when it comes to switching roles and trying new career paths. Their broad skillset allows them to take up opportunities as they arise, rather than being locked into a single profession.
Art and Science Should Be Allies Not Rivals
Some see studying arts subjects as a luxury or indulgence compared to more ‘useful’ degrees like engineering. But this view is outdated. The complex 21st-century economy needs multi-talented individuals combining creative flair with business acumen across sectors like media, marketing, and technology.
The economy needs both technical skills and imagination in equal measure. Society needs culture as well as science. The future will be shaped by ideas as much as inventions. Indeed, many growing fields rely on bringing together arts and science skills. Designers merge aesthetics and usability, architects blend engineering with artistry. Even cutting-edge game and film studios need coders and visual artists in equal measure.
Of course, we still need specialised scientists, engineers and doctors. But most jobs require a versatile mix of capabilities. Arts subjects teach you to think on your feet, express ideas clearly, and imagine solutions. This agility will be even more important as technology transforms the workplace.
Art and science should be allies not rivals. The next generation needs both sets of skills to forge a better world. So if you have a passion for arts, music, or languages don’t feel pressured to pick a more ‘practical’ subject. Trust your interests and talents. An arts degree will enrich your life with culture and creativity, and then launch you into a stimulating career where you can apply your vision across the economy and society.
At art-K, we know the artists of tomorrow need to start building their skills today. Our art classes help students stand out in the future job market by nurturing artistic talent and creative confidence from a young age. Children explore diverse projects mastering key techniques in sculpture, painting, design and more. Experienced teachers provide individual coaching so students can find their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Classes are kept small and collaborative, so young artists learn to innovate, communicate ideas, and give constructive feedback. Our curriculum exposes children to renowned artists and art history, building cultural knowledge. Completing projects from vision to finished artwork develops vital creative process skills.
In art-K’s supportive environment, students take risks, persist through challenges, and gain resilience. Families watch young imaginations flourish as creative interests become artistic skills. Give your child the competitive edge of arts training and community. Let their creativity take shape at art-K, where 21st-century skills and artistic confidence are honed through the joy of making art.
Written by: Qi Wang
Edited and reviewed by: Emily Harper
Reference Resources:
[1] Ashton, H. (2023). Cutting the STEM of Future skills: beyond the STEM Vs Art Dichotomy in England. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, 22(2), pp.148–163. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/14740222231156893.
[2] Weale, S. (2021). Funding Cuts to Go Ahead for University Arts Courses in England despite Opposition. [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jul/20/funding-cuts-to-go-ahead-for-university-arts-courses-in-england-despite-opposition [Accessed 5 Feb. 2024].
[3] The British Academy (2019). Understanding the Career Paths of AHSS Graduates in the UK and Their Contribution to the Economy. [online] The British Academy. Available at: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/understanding-career-paths-ahss-graduates-uk-contribution-economy/ [Accessed 5 Feb. 2024
