AI is wiping out whole degrees in China — translation, photography, illustration and fashion design are going, while prompt engineering is the new job appearing in film

Chinese universities are undergoing a significant academic restructuring as the rise of artificial intelligence renders several traditional degree programs obsolete. Institutions, including the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Communication University of China, have begun cutting or merging majors such as translation, photography, illustration, and fashion design, citing a lack of employment value in an AI-driven market. Between 2021 and 2025, over 12,000 undergraduate programs were closed or paused nationwide as the state pivots toward industries like robotics, chips, and AI. While traditional arts and humanities degrees face decline, universities are launching hybrid programs that integrate AI training with creative instruction. New roles, such as prompt engineers and AI animators, are emerging in the film and animation sectors, signaling a shift in employer expectations. Students are now encouraged to acquire technical skills that allow them to collaborate effectively with automated creative systems.