Arts and humanities are safe in Scotland

The arts and humanities departments in Scottish universities are not facing the same economic difficulties as their English counterparts according to a leading higher education authority.

Fears arose in England over the future of British art and humanity subjects due to a recent letter to the Observer by a number of influential leading academics and cultural figures.

Susannah Lane, public affairs officer for Universities Scotland told The Journal that steps had been made in Scotland to avoid similar problems to these in England.

Ms Lane said: “Universities in Scotland are not facing the same funding predicament as our colleagues in England as the Scottish Government's latest budget recognised the economic and social contribution of higher education.”

The letter claimed that due to the government’s focus on the sciences, subjects such as philosophy, literature and languages were facing “worrying times”.

The letter came in response to Lord Mandelson, the business secretary in charge of funding for university education, ordering cuts of £600 million by 2013.

In the latest draft budget for 2010-11 Scotland’s parliament has been forced to make its first real terms cut since devolution. This is in the form of a reduction of 0.9 percent to its departmental expenditure limit budget.

However, the budget for education in Scotland has not been cut. Michael Russell, Scottish Parliament’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has confirmed an additional £100 million funding for the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council.

Universities Scotland promotes the importance of humanities subjects as an essential part of the recovering economy.

Ms Lane said: "As spending pressures mount it's important not to overlook the valuable skills sets acquired from the arts and humanities. Creative thinking, adaptability and initiative will fast become essential assets in the workforce."

Giving financial priority to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) has divided opinion.

Jonathan Bates, Professor of English at Warwick University, objects to the government’s overly narrow focus, saying: “I believe universities are about education, developing the person and the citizen. There is more to citizenship than business, innovation and skills.”

A survey by The Times shows higher levels of employment for those that study STEM subjects: 80 percent of graduates in the physical sciences and maths are in graduate jobs three years after they finished their courses, compared with 70 percent in history, philosophy and the creative arts.