Arts and humanities graduates considering careers in social sciences or the liberal arts could benefit from a projected growth in the number of jobs on offer.

Newspaper the Daily Bruin said the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook 2008 report has forecast a 12.9% growth in career opportunities for liberal arts degree holders this year.

And despite a struggling economy, the publication said the job market for graduates in social science disciplines such as sociology and political is also set to maintain a "positive outlook".

According to Collegeboard.com, liberal arts degrees are less career-specific and can encompass fields such as English, communications, history and languages.

While there are a variety of career paths available to graduates in these areas, many pursue occupations in writing and editing.

Projections from the Department of Labor for 2006 to 2016 show jobs in this area are expected to grow by 10%, partly fuelled by a growth in online publications.

In May 2006, average earnings for salaried writers were $48,640, with the top 10% of the profession earning an average of $97,700.