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Jobs and workplace skills of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences graduates

IER research informs the new British Academy report on the skills of graduates of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS)

The British Academy has launched its new report on the skills of AHSS graduates: https://www.britac.ac.uk/news/future-proof-grads-new-study-pinpoints-arts-humanities-and-social-science-graduates’-skills

IER was commissioned by the British Academy to conduct mixed-methods research to identify AHSS graduates’ and employers’ perceptions of their skills, the benefits of AHSS graduates to the economy and to society and the need for any further skills development. The research, involving a comprehensive review of existing literature, analysis of 3 different quantitative data sources, focus groups with 22 graduates and postgraduates, and interviews with 6 employers, found that graduates with more creative approaches to work will be highly valued in the future and, if AHSS graduates can combine their creativity with good technical skills, they will be highly sought after. Those with narrow skill sets are more likely to struggle in the labour market, except in niche areas where there may be a shortage of particular skills. The research was led by Dr Clare Lyonette, with Dr Wil Hunt and Beate Baldauf, and the IER report has been published on the British Academy website:

https://www.britac.ac.uk/sites/default/files/AHSS-graduate-employment-outcomes.pdf

Duration: 2017

Project team:

Clare Lyonette, Principal Investigator

Wil Hunt

Beate Baldauf

Funder: 

British Academy