Creativity is a must

While welcoming 10,000 additional university places, the decision to restrict them to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects alone ignores the coterminous nature of arts and science in the employment market ("More places, but no more teaching grant", 23 July).

The extra places will produce science and technology graduates, but they won't generate the practitioners needed to realise the demand for creative content driven by Britain's digital economy.

Where is the appetite to forge ahead in the one area where we truly are on the cutting edge? We should be looking to cement our role as the world's pre-eminent creative provider.

Creative subjects should not be seen in the shadow of STEM subjects. Including an allocation for creative subjects within the 10,000 additional places would send a clear message of support for and belief in what is now Britain's flagship sector.

What is needed is a partnership and a platform for interdisciplinarity to realise the UK's future long-term economic growth - a relationship that we must form if we are to emerge strongly from the prevailing recession.

Elaine Thomas, Vice-chancellor, University for the Creative Arts.