Oxford Brookes confirms music and maths closures despite protests

'a government culture that was “ignorant of – or purposefully obtuse about – the value of the arts and humanities for the growth of our nation” and students being put off choosing these subjects because they were seen as “not good sources of post-grad income”. ' This sums it up really.

Rather than blaming the govt for the lack of appeal of the humanities. Perhaps the academics could get together with the employers, produce data and case-studies showing how students have translated interest into successful careers and highlighting the career pathways available, perhaps supported by scholarships? Departments thrive from a combination of student push and opportunity pull, the challenge for academics is to bring the two drivers into alignment.