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Strong Feelings from Academics on Government Defunding History

The government recently announced up to 50% funding cuts for arts subjects including history, archaeology, and performing arts. Top academics hit back, saying that if these cuts were to go ahead, history could be out of reach of most students – something only the wealthy could afford. Several have already had to cut numbers and resources.

Aston University in Birmingham may cut its entire history department while London South Bank will stop accepting students for human geography and history from the next academic year. Further, Aston also expects to close several key language courses.

 

Why is the Government Doing This?

The official line is that these subjects must be cut because they “do not provide value” for the employment market. Instead, they want greater investment in STEM, and vocational qualifications for technical and non-academic skills. Some have wondered whether the low number of graduates paying back their student loans in full is partly responsible for this as government seeks to regain finances lost through furlough and SEISS.

Academics have hit back at this claiming that the purpose of advanced study is about far more than the financial return. Some have also suggested this is a political decision and not a financial one.

 

Deep Concerns Expressed

Pointing out that these subjects teach critical thinking at a time when it is most needed – an age of fake news and social media fighting an uphill battle to challenge misinformation. Further, the same academics feel this is an attempt to “commodify” learning into purely its financial contribution to taxation.

Studies have shown that history graduates develop skills and insights that open a broad range of career options. These are not easily quantifiable financially and vary in both salary and scope. In short, it is not limited purely to the arts and heritage sectors.

 

Kate Williams: “History Will Be for Wealthy Men”

The historian who has presented many history shows and acted as consultant on high profile films expressed her concern about closing access to these courses.

Some have pointed out that Russell Group universities will be protected from this. But as this is the elite group of universities, only those with the best results and best A-level education will be able to access them.

Williams is a professor of public engagement with history at the University of Reading. She perceives a time when few working-class students get to study history because both educational quality of state schools will hold them back along with a lack of financial ability.

Finally, another well-known history Michael Wood said, “we cannot understand the world without history.” He feels the sort of people he reaches out to on television will now be cut off from academia.