Recent coverage of a proposed change to the traditional arts degree at University of Galway has brought the value of such a degree into question. While I refute the claim by some that a traditional arts degree has had its day —an arts degree is not just for teachers or civil servants — there is a need to reframe the inherent value of an arts degree, particularly in the age of AI. The work of arts graduates is all around us In Ireland; arts graduates work across education, the civil service, journalism, NGOs, creative industries, cultural heritage, diplomacy, tech compliance, content moderation, regulation, ethics advisory roles, healthcare communication and beyond. Future-proofing artsWe are under no illusion that future-proofing an arts degree means providing transferable competencies that directly address intersections with AI and society. In fact, we need arts graduates now more than ever.

Source: Irish Examiner March 06, 2026 01:22 UTC