Expert backs arts degrees

FORCING students to take up science and technology courses is not a good move at a time when both industries face an uncertain future, a leading academic has warned.

The Higher Education Authority has been asked by the Government to assess the mix of courses being studied at third level institutions. It is seen as an effort to counter falling numbers of students taking up computer and technology courses, because of the possible impact on international job investment in those sectors.

But Professor Pat O’Connor, Dean of University of Limerick’s College of Humanities, said while the Government wants students to do science and technology courses more are opting for arts, health and social science degrees but she said graduates of arts courses could be much more valuable in the future.

“The technical side of things is going to be completely out of date in two years.

“I see a broad general arts education as what produces thinkers with a capacity for analytical thought,” said Prof O’Connor.

The CAO points requirements for computer courses at universities and institutes of technology dropped by up to 100 points this year.

At the same time, increases in most arts and humanities degrees indicated a rise in demand.

Arts and social science degrees account for up to one-third of the student population in most universities, around double the numbers of science and technology students.