The term ‘Mickey Mouse degrees’ refers to degrees which are considered pointless, with limited opportunities post-education. In a world more focused on the materialistic aspects of education, we might fail to realise that, at the end of the day, these degrees prove more useful than we might think. In a way, our world builds on these so-called ‘useless’ degrees, and without them, our daily lives might change in unexpected ways.
Say, for example, media courses. Some might argue that the degree only leads to a blocked road, a wall which is simply too hard to overcome. But, in reality, the degree offers a multitude of different pathways for a fresh graduate – Producer, Runner, Director – there are so many options, not to mention alternate routes which the degree can take you, such as marketing or advertising accountant. But imagine universities taking it away. How would we be able to watch the shows we talk about daily, watch the movies we anticipate so dearly, or even watch decent-quality news every morning? Taking away the foundations causes a disastrous effect, which believe it or not, affects our lives just as much as a student.
Or think about philosophy. We might pretend that our knowledge of Plato and Nietchze makes us formidable, but by shutting off the pathway to learning further the depths of philosophy, we prevent a new generation of modern thinkers. If we cherish old philosophers, why can’t we allow a new generation to follow in their footsteps?
With more and more universities taking away courses such as english literature or art, it only proves that we are reaching the start of an ‘education dystopia’, with the ever decreasing range of courses to entice students. The gateway to becoming key roles of teachers, archivists, and writers only shut, and we lose the chance for students to flourish their skills even further. And we must consider the fact that by closing the gates, would the students be inclined to pick ‘harder’ degrees, or would they simply not choose this pathway to higher education?
Some people might argue that although perhaps useful, the courses aren’t as challenging as STEM related courses, or that they don’t lead to the more ‘important’ jobs that are available in the ‘real world’. But, one of the most difficult jobs of our country, Prime Minister, was taken up by the geography graduate Theresa May. Maybe these ‘lighter’ degrees don’t offer the immediate £40,000 per year as soon as we graduate, but they offer a student to learn something that money can’t – the chance to broaden the depths of one’s knowledge and skills.
Surely, that’s the aim of University, because who would want a world where we only churn out the same, unvarying degrees? At the end of the day, we would only succeed in limiting the creativity of the new generation, and only hinder their freedom to learn.
For all the latest Education News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
