Too many humanities graduates, says industry

Humanities students benefit society far less than graduates from other faculties. This is according to a statement from the Danish lobby organisation, the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI).

They are calling for either a tighter restriction on the number of admissions in the arts and humanities subjects, or the introduction of tuition fees.

Humanities graduates contribute less

At the moment, three out of ten students in Denmark study a humanities subject, according to the DI statement. DI would like to see this number fall to two.

The humanities graduates contribute less to economic growth and productivity in Danish businesses than those from the social or natural sciences, they write.

And the number of students choosing the humanities is on the increase, they write.

Restrictions or fees

DI suggests that only a limited number of Arts and Humanities students are admitted each year, or, alternatively, that students should pay tuition fees. This would encourage them to think more carefully about which subject to choose, in terms of potential earnings.

DI has based their statement on a very narrow understanding of what is beneficial to society, says the General Student Council, DSF.

»It is ridiculous to simply arrange education according to what gives the best economic advantage to trade and industry,« says chairperson Mikkel Zeuthen.

DSF points out that, as well as supplying candidates for jobs in education and industry, the Humanities promote understanding between individuals, cultures and religions in the global society.

Falling graduate unemployment

The union for university educated employees Dansk Magisterforening (DM), also points out that unemployment among graduates has fallen rapidly in recent years.

A government report shows that there are fewer unemployed humanities graduates than unemployed engineers (with a 3½ year diploma).

luci@adm.ku.dk

Stay up to date with news and upcoming events at the University of Copenhagen. Sign up for the University Post newsletter here.