[quote]A brand new degree in heavy metal music has been dismissed as a “waste of time” by a campaign group. The pioneering two-year foundation degree at New College Nottingham (NCN) was set up by music performance lecturer Liam Maloy and includes modules in the history of metal music, live performance, writing songs and music theory. Defending the course, Mr Maloy described it as “academically vigorous” and as relevant as music degrees in other genres. He told the BBC: "In the past, heavy metal has not been taken seriously and is seen as lacking academic credibility when compared with other genres such as jazz and classical music. But that's just a cultural construction." Once students have finished the foundation years, they can study a third year in music at Nottingham Trent University and be awarded a full degree. Despite the course credentials, chairman of the Campaign For Real Education, Chris McGovern, is highly critical of the degree. He said: "There are too many degrees being offered that lack credibility in the marketplace. "I suspect that may be the case with this course, unless you want to be a heavy metal star, in which case why would you need a degree in the subject? "It might seem an attractive, easy option to some people. But you don't need to do a degree in heavy metal. It's a waste of time." What are your views on the heavy metal degree? A worthwhile course or an utter waste of time?[/quote]