…rly age we are taught that all things have a place. When we are faced with complex problems, we seek to create schemas and organise findings in a way that will aid our understanding. This is all well and good except that sometimes this approach is in danger of missing the point. In the case of universities, this can be a particular problem due to the broad spectrum they cover, both in terms of societal impact and in terms of diversity of instituti…
…the challenges of an hourglass-shaped labour market and to remain globally competitive. Highlighting a recommendation from the report she stated that an independent agency should identify indicators of graduate equilibrium and monitor levels to advise government on appropriate levels of investment to ensure public money is well used and the UK is prepared for the hourglass. Dr Paul Sissons, researcher at The Work Foundation, is leading their work…
…should take as well as for individuals and the wider society. The message coming out from the ONS report actually disputes these claims. The level of graduate unemployment, at 18%, is a much lower figure than the last recession when it hit 27% in 1993.This demonstrates how much the economy has changed since the last recession, and will continue to change if we enable it to. The ONS data also demonstrates the greater earning potential for a gradua…
…r education to facilitate upwards mobility or we can risk seeing increased competition at the low end of the labour market, contributing to increased unemployment and difficulty in finding entry level jobs. Demand is high. Applying market logic would see the total number of student places increased. Instead they have been quietly cut by around 24,000 places compared with last year. Budgets may be limited but we should be stating the case for incre…
…In the article “Pile them high”, The Economist argues that ‘Steep tuition fees are not deterring most students. But the attempt to create a market in higher education is off track.” Libby Hackett, Director of University Alliance, comments: “At a time when our global competitors are increasing the number of graduates in the workforce to increase their capacity for economic growth, how can Britain justify a reduction in university places?”…
…te indicator of the UK’s future economic growth. At a time when our global competitors are increasing the number of graduates in the workforce to increase their capacity for economic growth, how can the UK justify a reduction in places available to young people – especially when there are such high levels of youth unemployment? India, for example, wants to more than double the size of its university system to become a “knowledge powerhouse”, incre…
…annual loan of up to £5,550 for day-to-day living costs. If their family income is under £42,600 they will also get a living grant (money you don’t have to pay back) of up to £3,250. No win, no fee: graduates only pay back in relation to how much they benefit. Unlike credit card or mortgage style loans, there is no risk to taking the loans out because if you are never in a position to pay it back you won’t have to. No debt collectors: money is tak…
…mand for graduates in our economy – even in difficult times. As our global competitors know, we need more highly-skilled graduates in order to drive growth and economic recovery. These figures show that the value of a degree is worth the investment for individuals and society, raising hopes and prospects for the future. “People should not be put off going to university because of financial concerns or the myth that demand for graduates is drying u…
…is consultation, as well as our response to the White Paper, we attempt to comment constructively on proposals. However we are eager to ensure that as a new regulatory framework is developed, the Government keep in mind the features of higher education that make our sector world-leading. This period of change will cause inevitable disruption which we believe can be minimised through ongoing consultation with the sector. Universities deliver many s…
…ion that these universities can take the hit is extremely frustrating. “It comes down to a fundamental lack of value attributed to certain parts of our higher education sector by this government.” Alliance universities deliver about a quarter of all Sivs places, but the large size of some of the institutions means that they form only about 11 per cent of their overall student numbers – compared with 22 per cent at the Russell Group and 17 per cent…
