It’s irresponsible to lure too many on to design degrees

Adrian Shaughnessy may be right when he says that design graduates are equipped for life in the modern world (Private View, DW 2 April), but his view is not widely shared, so his call to have more of them is irresponsible.

It’s a cruel fact that, outside of the design industry, little value is placed on a design degree and many employers will lump it in with media studies and sports science as something of little value.

Too many young people are coming out of universities and colleges with lots of debt and all kinds of degrees that won’t help their employment prospects.

The design industry needs high-quality graduates in small numbers, not lots more graduates of average ability. The former will gain employment and fulfilment, while the latter will suffer disappointment and debt.

David Bartholomew, Managing director, Folio Creative Communication, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 2AA



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