A degree in content creation, otherwise known as the ‘influencer degree’, got readers thinking. Photograph: Getty/Posed by model View image in fullscreen A degree in content creation, otherwise known as the ‘influencer degree’, got readers thinking. Photograph: Getty/Posed by model Universities Letters Influencer degrees may be worth liking. Mickey Mouse qualifications have value Bill Gabbett recalls teaching media, communications and cultural studies, while Michael Fuller studied under the influence
I enjoyed Emma Brockes’ piece ( Would I want my child to study for a social media influencer degree? No, but it’s the way of the world, 1 October ). It reminded me of the last 30 years of my working life spent teaching media, communications and cultural studies in two great university departments peopled with superb colleagues, and spending my time with bright and inquisitive students.
I got used to them being called Mickey Mouse degrees, mostly by people who seemed unaware that Mickey Mouse was one of the global top 10 recognised images, or even that the Walt Disney Corporation was valued at billions.
I consoled myself then, and do so now, with knowing that my Mickey Mouse acolytes seemed quite averse to wrecking the economy, global or national, treating people as ciphers, or being intent on exploitation come what may. Perhaps such people were elsewhere studying PPE. Bill Gabbett Newham, London
I don’t know about degrees in influencing, but back in the 1970s when I was a student, most of us were studying under the influence to some degree. Michael Fuller Ampthill, Bedfordshire
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