Does anyone know the earning potential of a Philosophy graduate?

Voyager2002

samc1234 wrote: »

No, a full law degree is an option I've decided that I don't want to do. I'm predicted to achieve between ABB-A*AB at a-level so I could do straight law if I wanted to, but I didn't, so I never applied.

I refrained from commenting when I first saw this post, but since your recent posts make it clear that you believe that you are extremely bright, I'll say what I thought:

The people who get into the kind of university where I worked would all have got grades close to three 'A's. People who are not even predicted to get three 'A's are unlikely to be offered a training contract and so can never qualify as a lawyer.

Obviously many young people perform better at university than at school: perhaps at the moment you are struggling with a subject that doesn't really interest you, or are simply not working hard enough, or need to develop good study habits. The reality is that most universities are now stuck with empty places because of the increase in tuition fees, and so are making offers to candidates they would not usually consider, and you are benefiting from this effect. And you will need to perform at a significantly higher level than at present if you are to have any hope of turning your dreams into reality.

rageagainstessays

Voyager2002 wrote: »

so are making offers to candidates they would not usually consider, and you are benefiting from this effect. And you will need to perform at a significantly higher level than at present if you are to have any hope of turning your dreams into reality.

I got 5/5 offers for University- so all of them didn't really want me then? They just made me offers because they couldn't fill the spaces.
Oh please, that's crap and we both know it.
I do agree that will need to work even harder- but I have worked very hard over the last couple of years to get into university (awaiting results) and I refuse to have it undermined by someone who doesn't know me.
I respect that I may be arrogant and slightly up my own !!! but that is simply not true.
Given my personal circumstances currently I doubt I will get my target grades- the past couple of years have not been easy for me.

zagubov

The earlier poster suggested a Scottish degree. They take four years so there's more debt but you enrol in a faculty not a department and you can take subjects outside your faculty. For example I did a Science degree with English and Philosophy units. Later I did a MSc in History and Philosophy of Science. Worth it to me - I enjoyed the Philosophy I did in my first degree and my change in direction in the second degree made me feel a more rounded person (my job is based on my first degree).

If you investigate say Dundee Uni they do English Law as well as Scots Law and they are ( or were) flexible about combining subjects. they even let you take some St Andrews courses as part of your degree if you can fit them in. (This might have changed).

The other advantage is you'd maybe taste both Law and Philosophy in a first degree and not have to worry about how to fund a higher degree.

In England, Keele offers Dual Honours Law and Philosophy. I'd very much suggest you make your first degree one that counts for getting a job. There's no way of knowing how easy it'll be to fund a change in direction for a second degree.

The people who suggest work experience /internships/ sandwich degrees are giving good advice as well. I think most of the posters here are trying to help you and make positive suggestions. Be open-minded and have a think about this before you commit yourself to a degree that might be a major mistake.

rageagainstessays

zagubov wrote: »

The earlier poster suggested a Scottish degree. They take four years so there's more debt but you enrol in a faculty not a department and you can take subjects outside your faculty. For example I did a Science degree with English and Philosophy units. Later I did a MSc in History and Philosophy of Science. Worth it to me - I enjoyed the Philosophy I did in my first degree and my change in direction in the second degree made me feel a more rounded person (my job is based on my first degree).

If you investigate say Dundee Uni they do English Law as well as Scots Law and they are ( or were) flexible about combining subjects. they even let you take some St Andrews courses as part of your degree if you can fit them in. (This might have changed).

The other advantage is you'd maybe taste both Law and Philosophy in a first degree and not have to worry about how to fund a higher degree.

In England, Keele offers Dual Honours Law and Philosophy. I'd very much suggest you make you first degree one that counts for getting a job. There's no way of knowing how easy it'll be to fund a change in direction for a second degree.

The people who suggest work experience /internships/ sanwich degrees are giving good advice as well. I think most of the posters here are trying to help you and make positive suggestions. Be open-minded and have a think about this before you commit yourself to a degree that might be a major mistake.

I was thinking of transferring on to the dual honours programme with Political science when I get there The only reason why I didn't apply was because I didn't know they offered it.

Voyager2002

samc1234 wrote: »

I got 5/5 offers for University- so all of them didn't really want me then? They just made me offers because they couldn't fill the spaces.
Oh please, that's crap and we both know it.
I do agree that will need to work even harder- but I have worked very hard over the last couple of years to get into university (awaiting results) and I refuse to have it undermined by someone who doesn't know me.
I respect that I may be arrogant and slightly up my own !!! but that is simply not true.
Given my personal circumstances currently I doubt I will get my target grades- the past couple of years have not been easy for me.

None of us know what would have happened, and of course I know nothing about your individual circumstances, nor about the relevant information that went on your UCAS form and served to 'sell' you to your chosen universities. The fact is, however, that most candidates whose predicted grades were similar to yours would not have been seriously considered a few years ago.

You mention that you have had to overcome problems, and so your predicted grades are lower than would otherwise have been the case. The implication is that your performance at university is likely to be at a higher level, meaning that your goals are indeed realistic.

rageagainstessays

Voyager2002 wrote: »

None of us know what would have happened, and of course I know nothing about your individual circumstances, nor about the relevant information that went on your UCAS form and served to 'sell' you to your chosen universities. The fact is, however, that most candidates whose predicted grades were similar to yours would not have been seriously considered a few years ago.

You mention that you have had to overcome problems, and so your predicted grades are lower than would otherwise have been the case. The implication is that your performance at university is likely to be at a higher level, meaning that your goals are indeed realistic.

I get what you are saying, luckily for me- yesterday is not today

cazziebo

I see the OP has been PPRd (in company with a few people recently - are the forum police staying out of the heat? :cool: )

However, saw this article today Arts & Humanities grads sought for their critical analysis...

However, story below suggests there are still no jobs

rageagainstessays

cazziebo wrote: »

I see the OP has been PPRd (in company with a few people recently - are the forum police staying out of the heat? :cool: )

However, saw this article today Arts & Humanities grads sought for their critical analysis...

However, story below suggests there are still no jobs

I'm back from being PPRd-
Thanks for the article, it was useful.
I'm hoping the economy will be in a better conidtion by the time I graduate.