» An overviewGraduates from courses within the scope of this section enter a diverse range of occupations regardless of whether their subject is considered to be vocational or non- vocational. Media studies and art and design have employment rates (including work and study) above, or very similar to, that of all first degrees, whilst English, modern languages, history and performing art fall below, but continue to have higher proportions of students following further study or training as a sole activity. Many students who studied arts and creative arts are driven by their interest and commitment to the subject. Many aspects may need to be taken into account when these students have to decide whether to extend their specialism beyond graduate study and make it the focus and direction of their job search. In some of the job sectors favoured by these graduates, opportunities may be few and far between, making entry extremely competitive. The need to have ‘hands-on’ experience, providing the opportunity to demonstrate skills and commitment via unpaid work, is not uncommon as a means of ‘getting a foot in the door’. Irrespective of the degree subjects, many of the skills acquired by graduates during their study are widely accepted by different employers and professions, providing the applicants can identify, demonstrate and market these skills. Some of these options are available by direct entry into employment or training, whilst others may require further evidence of knowledge, skill and commitment via study and attainment of an appropriate postgraduate qualification. » DestinationsTable 1: First destinations of 2004 arts, creative arts and humanities graduates | Numbers graduating (survey respondents) | Entering employment (%) | Entering further study/training (%) | Working and studying (%) | Unemployed at time of survey (%) | Other (%) |
|---|
| Performing arts | 5,560 | 61.9 | 17.1 | 8.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | | English | 8,125 | 57.2 | 20.0 | 8.6 | 6.2 | 8.0 | | History | 7,240 | 54.3 | 22.5 | 8.4 | 6.3 | 8.4 | | Media studies | 3,665 | 71.3 | 6.2 | 5.6 | 9.2 | 7.7 | | Modern langusges | 7,050 | 59.0 | 19.0 | 8.3 | 5.8 | 7.9 | | Art and design | 11,730 | 64.2 | 8.2 | 7.5 | 10.3 | 9.7 | | All first degree subjects | 204,165 | 62.7 | 14.1 | 9.3 | 6.1 | 7.8 |
Table 1 shows the first destinations of 2004 arts, creative arts and humanities graduates. Six months after graduation, media studies (76.9%), and art and design (71.7%) have employment rates (including work and study) above, or very comparable to, the average figure for all first degree graduates (72%). The remaining subjects under arts and humanities, whilst having lower employment figures, show a corresponding higher rate of further study and training as a sole activity, ranging from 17.1% for performing arts to 22.5% for history. Despite the relatively high employment rates for art and design and media studies, unemployment rates for these graduates six months after graduation, at 10.3% and 9.2% respectively, were above the average figure for all first degree graduates (6.1%). It has already been noted that identifying, finding and securing initial entry to the areas of work popular with these students may require a variety of strategies to be put in place. Decisions and actions may be somewhat fluid during this period and so figures taken six months after graduation reported here, may not be a reliable indicator of the longer term labour market outcome for graduates. It should be noted that the media, visual and performing arts industries are increasingly being comprised of ‘freelance’ or part-time workers who often adopt the pattern of a ‘portfolio’ career. The CAREER project undertaken by PALATINE has found that ‘in spite of the fragmented nature of the performing arts sector, people still think in terms of having a career, although career paths in this field are very different from traditional career models in other industries’.* » Types of workGraduates from arts and humanities courses are known to enter a diverse range of occupations and sectors. The type of work breakdowns by subject show that category I, 'arts, design, culture and sports professionals' were well represented across art and design (29.2%), performing arts (18.5%) and media studies (14.6%), reflecting the creative nature of these subjects. Category B, 'commercial, industrial and public sector managers' was popular amongst history and modern language graduates, both showing above the 9.8% average for all subjects. Media studies entry to this grouping follows closely at 9.5%. Category N, ‘clerical and secretarial occupations’ was likewise represented by high percentages of media, history and modern language graduates, but also joined by a high 22.4% of English studies graduates. Category A ‘marketing, sales & advertising’ shows this same group of four subjects all above the average 4.3% ‘all degrees’ entry, with modern languages leading at 9.3%. Art and design shows 3.6% entry to this category where creative strategies are increasingly being combined with business acumen. Amongst arts and humanities graduates, relatively high percentages were employed in the P ‘other occupations’ category, reflecting the diversity of work and interests of these graduates. Many skilled craft occupations also lie within this category. * CAREER Project - P A L A T I N E (Performing Arts Learning and Teaching Innovation Network) is the UK Subject Centre for Dance, Drama and Music. » Contacts and resourcesWebsitesResources on this site- Explore types of jobs - occupations especially relevant to arts and humanities graduates can be found under arts, design and crafts, administration (specifically arts administration), advertising, marketing & PR and publishing, media & performing arts.
- Industry insights - again, a range of titles are appropriate to arts, creative arts & humanities graduates including advertising & PR, broadcast, film and interactive media, cultural, fashion and textiles, government and public administration, and publishing
General linksPublications- Careers Using Languages, Edda Ostarhild, Kogan Page, ISBN 0749437316
- BFI Film & TV Handbook 2004, BFI, Edited by Eddie Dyja, ISBN 0851709907
- The Media Directory 2005, Chris Alden [Editor], The Guardian, ISBN 1843540495
- Careers & Jobs in the Media, Simon Kent, Kogan Page, ISBN 0749442476
- What Can I Do With…an Arts Degree?, Beryl Dixon, Trotman, ISBN 0856607223
- What Can I Do With….a Media Studies Degree? Margaret Mc Alpine, Trotman. ISBN: 0856608661
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