Is an Arts Degree Harder than an 'Academic' Degree?

Okay, so this may seem a little tongue in cheek. For the record, I am fully aware that all degrees are very difficult and if you currently hold a degree, congrats! 

But anyway, back to the original point; let's dive straight into it. 

When it comes to degrees, such as a typical BSC, there are answers. Now, that sounds weird, because surely everything has an answer. Yeah, you'd like to think so.

The problem you have with an arts degree is, not just that it appears next to useless post-university (yes, I did one), but that they're very much opinion based.

Science based degrees can work on a 0-1 scale. Either it's right or wrong. You're one or the other, there's no middle ground. Your arts degree will work on a 0-10 (at least) scale. There is no right or wrong answer. Your work could get a 5/10. 10/10. 2/10. It makes getting those top, top grades that much harder.

But the most frustrating thing, which you for sure won't understand on a typically 'academic' degree, is your mark can entirely depend on who is viewing your work. The lecturer who likes a certain genre. The lecturer who specialises in a particular way of performing or presenting art. If you don't present something that doesn't please THEM specifically, they'll mark you down.

That kind of thing doesn't happen when you're handing in a biology paper, for example. It doesn't matter the lecturers background or preferences on topics. If you're argument is right, it's right.

One thing could be seen as the best piece of work the lecturer has seen. They sing your praises. Give you an A. You're the stand out student, or students. Another lecturer will think it's awful. The worst piece of work they've seen. As entertainment is for everyone, it's very much up to the individual. 

There are different reasons as to why degrees or courses considered more academic are difficult, and I'm sure that there is no one degree harder than the other. But, I don't believe arts degrees should be so easily brushed aside as being easier than any other.

What are your thoughts? Share and comment.

You can read my other blogs at FeedTheSport and ScriptEye here.

Illustration by Clare Lewis - https://www.clarelewisillustration.co.uk/