Don't agree with GUEST at all I'm afraid. British University study is currently a very good way to get poor people into serious debt. Nothing very elitist about spending three or four years eating sod all and living in a room the size of a shoebox is there?

And why not study art? If no-one knew the "value" of art, Sotheby's would be knackered and that would screw up the investments of a lot of rich collectors, so there's a business side to that too. Or is that not the point? I suppose there is an argument that art reflects the human condition, but that can't possibly be valid, can it?

University does not narrow thinking. It teaches in certain ways, but it is generally a forum based form of education. Sure, to get the marks, you have to write the essay according to the views of the tutor, but you are quite entitled to disagree as long as you show you've understood the "accepted way".

And as to getting a job...You'd be amazed how many times I've been told I'm "overqualified", whatever that means. Or is the "Institution" nervous about employing graduates. Am I a potential loose canon?

Anyway, seen many signs in shop windows lately?

"Folk singer required: Must be fully qualified. Minimum 2 years experience. Contributory Pension Scheme. 25 days holiday+Company Car. 15k basic + Commission."

Although a "proper job" is the last thing I want. 20 years of musical study, and I find myself mending bloody computers for a living... So much for graduate prospects.