Editorial The Independent 18.02.2010
Universities in Northern Ireland and Britain are facing further multi million pound funding cuts, as well as fines for over-recruiting students. Business secretary Lord Mandelson said the cutbacks were needed to pay for the 'higher than expected cost' of funding grants and loans for the record number of students going to university during the recession. Yet, university applications have risen by 22.2% this year. This is something to be celebrated, a welcome sign that aspirations and attainment are on the rise. The problem is that, with a cap on places and with universities that over-recruit facing fines, many would be students will be disappointed. It may be a good few years before universities could expect to see any really significant increases in public funding.
A strong university system is central to a country's economic success and the vibrancy and depth of its intellectual and cultural life. Universities embody both our values and aspirations. They play a huge part in our communities through the provision of cultural and sporting amenities amd in passing on and preserving a set of shared societal values, including tolerance, freedom of expression and civic engagement. They shape how we engage with the rest of Europe and the wider world.
We have evidence that we have far too many people with ability who are not actually going to university. The UK participation rate in HE has fallen significantly from 7th in the OECD (Oganisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) to 15th since 1978. 75% of UK's 2020 workforce have already left school.
HE sector is being encouraged to increase the diversity of access methods to study. More part-time study, vocationally based foundation degrees, work-based study, more study whilst living at home. Clearer routes from apprenticeships to advanced apprenticeships and new technician qualifications into foundation degrees and other vocational higher education programmes should be made.
Can you think of any past pupils who may have progressed through this non-traditional route?
All those who have the ability to benefit should be encouraged to consider higher education. To this end the advice and encouragement that students receive should begin earlier in their school career. New types of higher education programmes that widen opportunities for flexible study for young people and adults and reflect the reality of the modern working life should be encouraged. The government is committed to the enhancement of locally accessible higher education through innovative partnerships between universities and further education colleges (Consider what's happening in your local area)
There is a concerted attempt by universities, employers, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and UKComission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) to join and identify and tackle specific areas where university supply is not meeting demand for key skills. All universities are expected to describe how they enhance students' employability (courses that offer the greatest returns in terms of graduate opportunity).
Most recently, at least three university colleges were in the national press advertising significant changes in their cuurricullum to address the demand of the world of work.
Aberdeen University
The university started a consultation on what constitutes an ideal graduate. The response from industry, politicians, students, parents and staff were remarkably similar. The ideal graduate was intellectually flexible, a critical thinker and a team player; someone who could see their discipline in a wider context; someone who was above all employable.
As one of the oldest universities, it has become the first university in the country to significantly re-shape the curriculum. From this year, new undergraduates will find their study options transformed, with an eye to easing their way into the workplace. This was despite the announcement in early February by the Higher Education Funding Council for England of cuts of £215 m in teaching budgets. However, other UK universities and colleges are following Aberdeen's lead. Undergraduate applications to Aberdeen are up 27% compared to around 8% in previous years. Sir Duncan Rice, principasl and vice-chancellor of Aberdeen described the changes thus;
"The changes are the single most important intellectual step that the university has embarked on in its modern history."
The university has retained its traditional four year degree but along side the core discipline new students will be encouraged to take one course each year that provides the opportunity to enhance student employability. Flexible entry and exit point have been introduced for students, allowing them to take a break in a course, or leave with some form of qualification if they don't finish their degree. There will be wider opportunities for placement, overseas and voluntary work, all of which will appear as credits on a graduate transcript.
There is the growing recognition that higher education is becoming more global and students more mobile. According to Debra Humphris, pro-vice chancellor of Southampton University,
'Students need to be fit for purpose, able to work anywhere in the world. It seems obvious that we should prepare our graduates for a complex and challenging work environment.'
I have drawn attention in earlier posts as to what both Queens and University of Ulster are doing to improve student employability. Other universities to compare with Aberdeen's decision to address employability and who were recently featured in national press include; Manchester, Southampton, and London School of Economics (LSE). Students should be encouraged to check these out for more detail.
There are, however, as referred to earlier two 'storm clouds' on the horizon - the threat of reduced funding from government and the probable increase in student fees.
Growth based heavily on state funding cannot continue. In future the burden of financing higher education's diversity of excellence will need to be more equitably shared between employer, taxpayer and individuals.The message is clear: whichever party wins the next election will be looking for deep cuts, and higher education will have to take its share. The cuts are likely to hit teaching, research and the number of places available - at a time of record demand. Some commentators have put the figure as high as 300,000 being rejected this year!! (160,000 were rejected in 2009). The only long term solutions is for universities is to become less dependent on the state. More important by providing services for business and industry, universities will raise their profile. It can only be a good thing for more people to discover that the country needs and benefits from higher education!
The case for requiring undergraduate students to contribute to the cost of their tuition is now widely accepted. Lifetime earnings premium of between £100,000 and £200,000 from undergraduate study are typical and, whatever the merits of government support for specific groups of students, it is difficult to make a case that all students should have all their fees financed by the taxpayer. Fees are now capped at £3225 but are likely to rise to either £5000 to £7000 once the election is over. In Monday 22nd February's edition of the 'Irish News' Education section reference was made to
'no hike in top-up fees for the north's university students.'
A major independent probe, chaired by Joanne Stuart of the Institute of Directors in NI has been looking at participation by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Universities in England and Wales want to lift the cap on top-up fees and raise them to around £6,500 a year. The Stuart review has received input from students, financial advisers, education and library boards, colleges and universities. In its interim report, the review recommended that there be no increase in fees. This can only be good news for those thinking of university in 2010/2011!
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