London is a city bursting with creativity. It’s a powerhouse of innovation, where one-in-five jobs are now nestled within the creative economy. Yet, as Mr. Sunak rallies his party against what he calls 'Mickey Mouse' degrees, it's essential to acknowledge what these degrees bring to our society and economy.
A “Mickey Mouse” degree is often wielded as an insult against subjects and qualifications that are thought to lack “academic rigour” or hard vocational skills. But I take pride in my very own “Mickey Mouse” PR degree, hard-earned from Bournemouth University.
I didn’t stumble across this course through clearing or because I couldn’t get into another university. It’s the course that I believed as an 18-year-old could get me out of bed at 8.30am to attend lectures (without the help of my parents), immerse myself in resources in the library (and maybe some socialising), and provide a nice balance of academia and practical application.
Ultimately, I thought it could be the solid foundation of a future career – and I was right.
It’s a course that has produced bright and brilliant talent. People who’ve gone on to influence and lead at the highest level. From the Royal Navy to household brands like Samsung and Coca-Cola, through to advising political leaders, including Barack Obama and Tony Blair.
Many have gone on to lead and establish their own award-winning agencies (including myself), creating many jobs and opportunities and fuelling a vibrant industry.
However, there’s no denying the job market is tough right now, but especially for young people. The youth unemployment rate is rising, and the number of economically inactive people not in full-time education reached its highest recorded level earlier this year.
So, let’s not demonise Mickey Mouse degrees. These “rip-off” degrees nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and an ability to see the world from different perspectives. They offer insights into human behaviour, culture, and history. They foster empathy, creativity and ethical awareness — qualities indispensable in any professional setting.
The acceleration of technologies like AI means that entire industries, and what careers look like, can be up-turned overnight. Irreplicable softer skills that aren’t “taught” but nurtured in creative degrees will be key for many industries moving forward. This is why skills-based hiring will play a critical role in the success of businesses and getting the right talent today and into the future.
By focussing on skills, not degrees, we have access to a wider talent pool, including self-taught people, or those who have had career changes and acquired skills through non-traditional routes.
This is not to discredit the value of apprenticeships and vocational training, which certainly have their role to play. Apprenticeships are vital and offer practical pathways into many professions, but they’re not a silver bullet solution.
And pitting them against “Mickey Mouse” degrees, that Mr. Sunak himself is struggling to define, is wrong.
Both have their place and can complement each other in the workplace. An effective economy needs a diverse workforce with an eclectic selection of people, skills and talent.
It’s the skills and people that are important, not how they were acquired.
London's global reputation as a creative capital is no accident. It has been built over decades through investment in arts, culture, and education. Scrapping the degrees that are the backbone for the many skills and talents essential for it to thrive is shortsighted and reckless.
The government should recognise this and support creative education, not disparage it with outdated and dismissive labels and policies. By doing so, we can ensure that London and the UK remains the home of innovation and creativity, attracting talent and investment from around the globe.
Creative degrees are far from “Mickey Mouse”; they are vital to sustaining and growing our economy. Let's not undermine the hard-earned degrees and experiences that have proven to be the foundation upon which so much of our success is built.
Nia Evans is Managing Director, PAN
