The Devaluation of a University Education.

When Labour came into power in 1997, Tony Blair proclaimed his three main priorities were ‘Education, Education, Education.’ The importance of education as stressed by Tony Blair is certainly something with which I am inclined to agree. I have always believed, as I’m sure many others would, that a good standard of education can lead people in positive directions.

Since 1997, there has been sustained improvement in education, which was certainly helped with a major financial imput, which resulted in better Ofsted reports, improved GCSE and A-level results and more people than ever going to University. It seemed, no matter what a child’s background, the opportunity was there for everyone. It is thanks to this improvement in education, that I, myself, was able to study at University. Without the Labour government’s reforms I and many of my friends would not have been able to afford to go to University.

Obviously, this is not without criticism. With more people than ever going to University, there is now apparently 70 graduates per graduate job. I myself, have been unable to achieve my graduate dream of working along side an MP as a caseworker as I lack experience, when there are many others who have such experience. The situation has also not been helped by the current economic climate. One would believe that three years of hard work, presentations, seminars, countless essays and a 10,000 word dissertation which involved hours of time and energy, would provide me with a  degree which would hold much more value than the £20,000 spent in achieving it. Unfortunately it does not. The highly competitive job market I find myself in, means that there are thousands of graduates out there offering employers exactly what I have to offer.

We now live in an age where in some cases a University education is almost something to be ashamed of.  I graduated twelve months ago with a degree in history from the University of Liverpool and I am still searching for a career. For now I have no other option than to work part time in a betting shop to support myself.

Upon meeting me and learning I have a degree, a lot of people ask what I studied at University and when they hear that I studied history they invariably respond in one of two ways. The first is “Oh do you want to be a teacher then?”, the second is “What can you do with that?”

So why did I study History? Those who ask this question, sadly, fail to see not only the cultural but intrinsic value of academics, but specifically arts and humanities. Could this be because there is not necessarily a career path for such subjects? Or could it be that we now have a generation of people, as Oxford graduate and stand up comedian Stewart Lee argued, who believe “the only purpose of education is to earn money.” Clearly people believe, without even realising, that if it is not financially viable to the state, then art subjects like history, shouldn’t be studied.

In fact I was asked throughout my undergraduate studies, what I was going to do with my degree, often implying that I would get nowhere in life studying a subject like history. They may well have a point. There may not be a direct career, but that does not mean it is wrong to study it.

History is an important subject, it tells us who we are, how we got here and helps us understand why.  The study of history helps to ensure that the struggles, pain and suffering endured in the past were not in vain. To me the past is important, and it should be appreciated for what it is. Besides this, educating oneself is always a positive thing, regardless of whether it leads directly into a particular career. Brian May, guitarist from the rock band Queen has a degree in astrophysics as well as a doctorate.  Such a level of education in this particular field can hardly been seen as a stepping stone to global stardom as part of one of the most successful bands  of all time! But, he clearly believes in education, and the need and satisfaction gained from learning.

There are far too many people who believe that a large wage packet is the answer to happiness, something the Conservatives have been brainwashing us with since the 1980s, with their tool of aspiration; ‘Anyone can be middle class’.

At the end of the day, I am proud of my 2.1 History  degree. I worked hard for it and learnt so much. In addition to learning about the past my studies have given me other skills, such as an understanding of and experience in research methodology; statistical compilation and analysis; critical thinking and analytical skills; and an independent viewpoint.

University in itself has given me important skills for life, unforgettable memories and an absolute brilliant experience. They can say what they want but they won’t take my degree away from me.


Rachael.