The value of the humanities

Humanities education and research has been a critical foundation of our society for centuries. Disciplines such as history, literature, and philosophy have shaped institutions and policy debates and attracted generations of students seeking to understand more about how societies function and change. However, changing frameworks for understanding social value and the expansion of tertiary education disciplines over time have affected perceptions of the importance of the Humanities.

This Deloitte Access Economics report for Macquarie University articulates the value of the Humanities to students thinking about their education and career options and to businesses faced with hiring choices. Our research builds on a rich and diverse literature through econometric analysis of HILDA and AES data, analysis of graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction surveys and consultations with global businesses, public sector agencies and researchers in Humanities disciplines.