Studying abroad comes with options, which can make choosing your academic path a difficult decision. You may aim to study a subject and degree with career potential or a field you’re particularly interested in. If you want a qualification that offers numerous specialisations, a flexible curriculum, and multiple career paths, a humanities degree might be the answer. We explain why studying humanities can be valuable, what you’ll learn, the skills you’ll gain and the outcomes for graduates.
Humanities fields are creative
Humanities subjects, fields and specialisations encourage both imagination and creativity. You may think this applies only in the traditional sense of being artistic, but it also refers to ways of thinking and developing solutions.
You’ll learn to develop original ideas, theories, and hypotheses. These can be tested, researched and applied in your chosen field. It could be a new critique of a theory, a re-interpretation of data, or collating information into an innovative form. All these will refine and develop your creative thinking. Remember, there are different types of creative thinking, including:
- Lateral thinking – this type of thinking focuses on innovative plans, ideas and solutions. It’s all about changing elements and looking at information in new and non-traditional ways.
- Divergent thinking – with this approach, it’s about developing as many solutions as possible for a problem. It’s a non-linear thinking pattern that involves flexibility and originality.
- Radical thinking – as a radical thinker, the emphasis is on disruption, with a fresh take and analysis on issues and problems. This can mean new ways of working or re-structured ideas.
- Artistic thinking - prioritises developing aesthetic or artistic solutions with this way of thinking. It’s a search for symmetry, harmony and beauty.
A creative orientation is great for problem-solving but also plays a crucial role in effective communication, organisation, and analysis. It means you’re adaptable and can work successfully in many diverse environments. These are skills employers look for in graduates.
Read more about the top humanities degrees for international students.
Humanities degrees develop critical thinking
When studying a humanities qualification you will develop and apply critical thinking skills. This requires the use of rational thinking and logic to analyse information. You’ll question ideas, possibly even breaking them down into basic elements using reasoning. You never simply accept ideas and information without question. You bring your unique perspective and interpretation. The hallmarks of a critical thinking approach include:
- Systematic analysis and evaluation of information
- Establishing connections and links
- Identifying inconsistencies
- Building and developing an argument
- Debating
- Problem-solving
- Summarising and developing a conclusion
Critical thinking means you’re actively involved in the learning process, which requires interaction with lecturers and peers. You must be open-minded and evaluate arguments or ideas on their merit, even if you don't agree.
You can use critical thinking skills in various contexts, including reading, writing and interpersonal communication. In addition, these skills form a core area of competency needed when transitioning to the workplace.
Discover some of the unusual jobs humanities graduates undertake.
Humanities degrees teach research and communication skills
If you study for a humanities degree communication and research skills are central. These are developed as you learn, but having an interest in researching ideas is important. You analyse information (often large volumes), synthesising and evaluating the critical areas and points. You have to expertly communicate your findings. Some of the characteristics of a good researcher include:
- Detail oriented
- Strategic planner
- Analytical thinker
- Organised
- Systematic
- Good at managing time
- Problem solver
Don’t worry too much if you don’t tick all of the boxes. It takes time to find what works for you and to refine your skills. What you need is an inquiring mind and a willingness to learn. A good work ethic is also a great asset to have.
Coupled with research is the importance of being a good communicator. These communication skills should be verbal, non-verbal, written and visual. You must convey ideas, show your personality and effectively interact with others. This will aid your learning and development but is also a prerequisite for most humanities courses.
You’ll be giving presentations, debating ideas in seminars, writing essays, meeting with lecturers and working on group projects. Understanding the best ways to communicate can be critical, including:
- Be an active listener
- Give constructive feedback
- Choose your words carefully, be precise and concise
- Write clearly
- Use an open, friendly tone when speaking
- Use effective body language, like eye contact and relaxed posture
- Be respectful
These skills not only apply in the academic realm but are essential for your personal and professional life.
Explore the various types of bachelor’s degrees available.
Humanities qualifications develop collaboration
Alongside being a good communicator is the ability to collaborate and work with others. A humanities curriculum allows you to work with people in diverse environments. This can be anything from a combined project to a discussion group.
You have to be able to identify your key skills and those of others to maximise the effectiveness of the work. Inevitably, you’ll also need to be skilled in conflict resolution, as not everyone gets along all of the time. The art of collaboration lies in:
- Compromise and consultation
- Setting clear goals
- Sharing equal responsibility
- Developing a consensus
- Identifying challenges and problems
- Empathy and respect
One of the great bonuses of collaboration is the learning opportunities it provides. You’ll be able to draw on the expertise of others and find the best ways to apply your skills. It’s a great way to solve problems and refine focus to produce efficient and elegant solutions. Of the many skills you’ll want to take with you throughout your life, being able to collaborate is a big one.
With a better idea of the skills and knowledge you’ll gain with a humanities degree, you may want to search for a humanities course. You can also explore some of the careers for humanities graduates, what a general humanities curriculum looks like, and how to match your study and career plans.
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