New report names skills of arts, humanities and social science graduates

A new study which pinpoints the skills developed by arts, humanities and social science degrees is being backed by Goldsmiths, University of London.

Researchers from the British Academy have identified the core skills of arts, humanities and social science (AHSS) graduates:

• communication and collaboration
• research and analysis
• independence and adaptability

The report found that these skills were often the same as the qualities in demand from employers.

The British Academy report The Right Skills: Celebrating skills in the arts, humanities and social sciences also investigated the destinations of AHSS graduates, and found that their core skills equip them to work in a wide range of jobs, from web design to the civil service, teaching to financial services.

With the type of jobs likely to change in the future, flexible and adaptable graduates, many of whom have AHSS degrees, were highly valued by employers, even when their degree was unrelated to the business.

Goldsmiths has a reputation as one of the UK’s leading creative higher education institutions, with graduates finding employment in a range of sectors across the creative industries.

Research released by the Government shows the UK creative industries is worth a record £84.1billion a year to Britain – generating nearly £9.6million an hour.

Goldsmiths Deputy Warden Professor Elisabeth Hill said: “Our graduates are the thinkers and doers of the future and this research shows why.

“The skills outlined by the British Academy are key to the success of any enterprise, and Goldsmiths alumni have proven time and again that they have the capacity to make hugely valuable contributions.”

Chair of the British Academy project Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “Today our research proves that these graduates have the potential to adapt to almost any career in an increasingly globalised and uncertain world.

 “Our research has defined for the first time the skills shared by arts, humanities and social sciences (AHSS) graduates, and looks at their careers in almost every sector of our economy, from the booming creative industries to financial services.

“The arts, humanities and social sciences are a strong choice for any prospective student – these subjects create well-rounded and adaptable graduates, equipped with the skills employers demand for the twenty-first century workplace.”