Richard Bridge: "But what there ought to be is a degree (including performance) in English folk music"

But there is such a degree - the Newcastle course allows students to focus on English folk music if they wish, and many choose to do so. Or do you mean it has to be named "BA in English Folk Music"?

If were going to study for a degree in folk, I would prefer to do a course which puts my chosen area of interest into context and gives me an opportunity to explore other areas I might not have previously considered - to get an education, in other words.