Rising university fees and scare employment prospective graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach art subjects like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximize chances of employment. Agree...disagree?

Given the increasing cost of university tuition and limited graduate job opportunities, it is often suggested that universities focus solely on degree courses which are practical rather than artistic subjects. However, I disagree with this point of view, as I believe that subjects such as art and philosophy can instill valuable practical skills, while also making a significant contribution to society as a whole. First of all, studying the humanities can help develop critical thinking skills which are useful in a range of careers. By studying these subjects, students become active thinkers who are able to solve problems, evaluate different options, and make reasoned decisions. These skills are transferable to many different careers such as law, politics, or education. Therefore, although it appears that studying the humanities will not help graduates to find a rewarding job, it can be argued that these skills in fact increase their employability. Furthermore, expertise in subjects such as art and history allows graduates to contribute to our wider civil society. This is because knowledge of culture and history is an essential part of any civilized country. Without an understanding of history, for example, we would be unable to learn from the mistakes of the past. While there is no question about the value of science, medicine and business, it is clear that the humanities also make an essential contribution. In conclusion, it is illogical to suggest that the arts should not be taught in universities, as critical thinking skills and cultural knowledge they develop benefits both graduates and our societies. I recommend that universities make instruction in these subjects available to all students.