UK Higher Education News: Weekly Roundup 7th June 2024
Stock Image
The Possibility of University Bankruptcy
Date: June 6, 2024
Source: Times Higher Education
The financial pressures mounting on UK universities could lead to the unprecedented event of a university bankruptcy. This scenario, discussed in the Times Higher Education, is seen by some politicians as a necessary corrective measure for an overextended higher education sector. Universities are grappling with financial strains from policies affecting international student visas and a freeze in the fee cap, raising concerns about their ability to continue operations.
Historically, the closest a UK university came to collapse was University College Cardiff in 1987, which was saved by government intervention. The potential consequences of a university going bankrupt are uncertain but could significantly impact students, staff, and local economies. While mechanisms exist that could lead to a university’s closure, the government's response will be crucial in such a scenario.
Cambridge Admissions and Access Goals
Date: June 5, 2024
Source: Times Higher Education
Cambridge University faces challenges balancing rigorous admissions processes with fair access, particularly for under-represented applicants. As reported by Times Higher Education, the lack of a unified admissions policy at Cambridge leads to inconsistencies, hindering fair access goals. The university is likened to a medieval body, where harmony among colleges is necessary to avoid damaging the institution.
There is a call for Cambridge colleges to align their policies, moving past introspection to maintain the university’s integrity and uphold fair access standards. This shared vision is crucial for the university to continue thriving.
Rise in Extremism Among Students
Date: June 5, 2024
Source: The Guardian
The Guardian highlights a troubling rise in university students flagged for extremist views under the UK’s Prevent programme, with a 50% increase in two years. The most significant rise is in "mixed unclear or unstable" (MUU) ideologies, which include elements from various ideologies or those without a coherent ideology but still at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
In 2022-23, 210 cases were escalated in the higher education sector, with 95 involving MUU ideologies. This trend raises concerns, especially among young people in the UK, with external campus speakers being rarely rejected, indicating the need for vigilance and robust measures to counteract extremism.
The Decline of UK Universities in Global Rankings
Date: June 4, 2024
Source: The Guardian
UK universities are facing a potential irreversible decline, as evidenced by a significant drop in global rankings. The Guardian reports that 52 out of 90 British universities have received lower rankings this year. This decline could lead to closures and reflects broader funding challenges in the sector, affecting staff-to-student ratios, job outcomes, and academic reputation.
The importance of international student mobility and income is underscored, with calls for policy changes to sustain the UK’s higher education success amidst these challenges.
Government Support for British Universities
Date: June 3, 2024
Source: Financial Times
The Financial Times emphasizes the need for government support to maintain the competitiveness of British universities in the global arena. The University of Cambridge, contributing approximately £30bn annually to the UK economy, exemplifies this need. Cambridge's success in fostering innovation and economic impact underscores the importance of access to global talent, stable research funding, and capital for scaling up innovative companies.
Despite budget constraints, Cambridge continues to excel in science and innovation, highlighting the necessity for government intervention to support the higher education sector’s contribution to economic growth.
Graduates and the Shift to Professional Services
Date: June 2, 2024
Source: Financial Times
A former Royal Dutch Shell CEO criticizes the UK’s industrial policy, noting the high number of graduates entering professional services instead of manufacturing. As reported by The Financial Times, this trend is seen as a failure of industrial policy, with the UK’s education system and successive governments neglecting the manufacturing sector.
The rise in professional services roles, driven by demand for digital transformation and compliance advice, contrasts with the dwindling manufacturing sector, which now contributes only about 10% of the UK’s GDP. The call for a renewed focus on technical training and apprenticeships highlights the need for practical skills to support the manufacturing industry.
Job Cuts and Financial Strain at the University of Surrey
Date: June 2, 2024
Source: BBC
The University of Surrey is facing a vote of no confidence from staff and students over proposed job cuts. BBC reports that the university plans to reduce expenditure, potentially leading to 140 redundancies. High inflation, soaring energy bills, and cost of living pressures are cited as reasons for these cuts.
The University and College Union (UCU) fears further cuts and is calling for a halt to compulsory redundancies, reflecting the broader financial challenges facing UK universities.
The Impact of Class on Higher Education
Date: June 2, 2024
Source: The Guardian
Kenan Malik’s piece in The Guardian critiques the political discourse around “low-value” university degrees, emphasizing the impact of class on student experiences and outcomes. The decline in apprenticeship numbers and the poor quality of training are highlighted, with many apprentices receiving inadequate on-the-job training and low wages.
Malik argues against the instrumental view of education, which values it primarily for economic benefits, perpetuating class-based stereotypes and limiting opportunities for working-class students. This perspective calls for a more holistic approach to evaluating the value of education.
Redundancy Costs in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Universities
Date: June 2, 2024
Source: BBC
Universities in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have spent over £100m on redundancies since 2015, as reported by BBC. These financial challenges stem from rising costs and a freeze on tuition fees for domestic students. Changes to the visa system and a drop in international student enrolments have exacerbated the financial strain.
Political parties are expected to address higher education funding in their upcoming election manifestos, reflecting the sector's critical need for financial stability.
Graduate Earnings and Long-Term Value of Degrees
Date: May 30, 2024
Source: Universities UK
Universities UK highlights that graduates in England typically earn more than non-graduates over their lifetime, with this advantage existing across all regions. The current government metrics, which assess course success only up to 15 months post-graduation, fail to capture the long-term financial benefits of a degree.
The importance of evaluating the long-term value of university degrees is emphasized, with degree apprenticeships seen as a form of higher education rather than an alternative.
Protests at the University of Manchester
Date: May 28, 2024
Source: BBC
Students at the University of Manchester have occupied the Whitworth building, disrupting exams. BBC reports that the protesters demand the university avoid disciplinary actions against activists and negotiate on issues related to ethical research and institutional ties.
The university denies involvement with the Israeli defense sector and maintains ethical research standards, while affected students are redirected to new exam locations. The disruption reflects ongoing tensions and calls for institutional transparency and accountability.
This roundup encapsulates the dynamic and challenging landscape of UK higher education, underscoring the need for strategic interventions and policy reforms to sustain the sector's growth and integrity.
