Humanities Skills Are in Demand
Knowledge and skills gained from studying the humanities are essential in virtually every profession today.
The Value of Studying Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities is a place for exploring questions about the human condition. Here, we investigate the world through the traces we leave behind – in language, texts, music, ways of thinking and how we perceive the world around us.
Education and research in the humanities focus on the role of human beings in society and its development. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation, cultural heritage, historical perspectives and communication are all key areas of study.
Studying the humanities gives you in-depth knowledge of a particular subject. But regardless of which humanities subjects you choose, you will also develop a wide range of transferable skills and abilities that are valuable across many different professions and sectors. These include cognitive, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as language and communication skills.
Many of the skills and abilities listed below are developed, directly or indirectly, through different forms of teaching and assessment. Together, they provide a solid foundation for your future career, whatever path you choose.
Skills and abilities you develop
| Common activities during your studies | Skills and abilities often sought by employers |
|---|---|
| Organising parts of your studies independently and taking responsibility for when, where and how you study. | A willingness and ability to take responsibility. Independence, initiative, planning and organisational skills. The ability to meet deadlines and work within set timeframes. |
| Solving problems and completing assignments, interpreting and critically evaluating information, exploring issues from different angles and connecting theory with practical experience. | Problem-solving skills and creativity. Analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong communication skills. |
| Expressing knowledge, ideas and arguments in both shorter and longer texts. Giving written and oral presentations. Learning an additional language. | Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good digital skills and language proficiency. |
| Finding, evaluating and processing information from course literature, search engines and databases. Discussing and explaining what you have read or discovered to others. | A willingness and ability to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills. |
| Collaborating with different people on group assignments and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Studying abroad or hosting an international student. | Teamwork, interpersonal and leadership skills. |
After graduation
Here are some suggestions for how to describe the knowledge, skills and abilities you have developed through studying the humanities and languages.
I am good at …
- Finding relevant information and knowledge
- Working with and evaluating different types of information and knowledge
- Managing large amounts of material
- Analysing complex, multidimensional and sometimes contradictory phenomena and texts
- Carrying out advanced interpretative analysis
- Seeing the bigger picture
- Paying attention to detail
- Considering different perspectives
- Identifying underlying and potentially hidden factors
- Questioning what may initially seem straightforward or unproblematic
- Identifying problems and suggesting possible solutions
- Working systematically using well-founded methods and theories
- Thinking independently, critically and logically
- Constructing arguments and drawing well-founded conclusions
- Presenting complex ideas in an accessible way
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in different contexts and genres
- Collaborating with others in different ways and for different purposes
I am a …
- Good listener
- Confident speaker
- Good discussion partner
- Skilled discussion facilitator
I can …
- Read and analyse advanced texts
- Write both descriptive and analytical texts
- Produce well-researched reports
- Write concise briefing papers
- Give oral presentations
- Identify and formulate relevant problems
- Conduct research
- Work towards goals and achieve results
- Complete tasks within set timeframes
- Plan
- Organise
- Prioritise
- Take initiative
I am …
- Committed
- Creative
- Flexible
- Methodical
- Well-organised
- Independent
- Analytical
- Well-educated