‘It will always have value’: readers on whether English lit is worthwhile

‘English literature degrees teach criticism, a form of analysis that suits the workplace very well.’ Photograph: n_prause/Getty Images/iStockphoto

News that Sheffield Hallam University is to scrap its standalone English literature degree from next year triggered an outcry this week, after the government’s decision to end funding for degrees where less than 40% of graduates find “highly skilled” employment within six months.

Here, seven English literature graduates tell what they gained from the degree, and share their views on the government’s plan to cut the funding of certain humanities courses deemed “low-value”.