…d learn lessons from the Australian system, particularly on the support offered to students other than first-degree students. It is very hard for those working in government to monitor interesting developments all over the world. So it is the job of organisations like University Alliance and the Higher Education Policy Institute to put the evidence in front of policymakers. In the case of Australia, that is what we are jointly doing today….
…plemented during the COVID-19 pandemic could be applied in a post-pandemic world. During the pandemic, it was discovered that assessment practices had become more inclusive. Many of the adaptations made in response to lockdown restrictions were actually helping to close awarding gaps and improve continuation rates – even for the most disadvantaged students. UA universities wanted to figure out why, and how they could keep these adaptations going….
…this more flexible attitude filter through to other areas of policy. The thrust of much of the white paper however will be a real challenge to University Alliance members and Britain’s world leading university sector as a whole. In order for our higher education sector, which contributes £95 billion to the UK economy, to continue to thrive we need to be able to access not just capable students but also the brilliant academics, technicians and rese…
…n voucher scheme is something we have been calling for and will be welcome news to many of our universities. We already have evidence that this type of activity has a profound impact on growth and opens new links between universities and businesses – an essential ingredient in a knowledge-based economy.” Janet Beer, Chair of University Alliance and Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said: “We welcome today’s strategy for its frankness a…
…niversity Alliance has responded to the MAC review of the graduate route: “Today’s report has highlighted the substantial benefits of the graduate route to the UK. The route is clearly helping the government meet the objectives it set out and should be seen as a significant policy success. Any changes to the graduate route would be an inexplicable own goal, and I am very pleased the MAC has recognised that. Unfortunately, the government’s ban on i…
…e majority of BTEC qualifications will be removed. In the statement issued today, the organisations welcome the introduction of T levels (a new suite of technical qualifications) but express concern that removing funding for BTEC qualifications “will leave many students without a viable pathway at the age of 16 and will hamper progress to higher education or skilled employment”. The statement emphasises the importance of students having the option…
…y Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: “The package of announcements released today – including the Interim response to the post-18 review, Post Qualification Admissions consultation and Teaching Excellence Framework – come at an important time for post-18 education, and indeed the nation as we look towards the post-COVID recovery. It’s important that any reforms offer stability and support for universities and current and future learners as we navig…
…niversities to enable them to best plan to support students through the recruitment cycle. “The welcome contingency planning will help ensure learners are not unfairly disadvantaged if they face disruption, and Alliance universities will continue to be flexible and responsive to support learners to progress to further study and succeed once at university. “We particularly welcome the intention to give parity within the measures to technical and vo…
…onding to the announcement, Vanessa Wilson, University Alliance CEO said: “Today’s announcement is a first step in protecting and enhancing the UK’s research base and we look forward to working with the government to develop the details of the support package. It will be important that interventions support a wide range of research and development activities, and the role of innovation and knowledge exchange is not lost. “Alliance universities are…
University Alliance today announced that two new members, Birmingham City University and Leeds Beckett University, are joining the mission group. The two universities’ membership is effective immediately, having been formally ratified by the organisation’s directors at yesterday’s (17 October 2019) members’ meeting. They join the Alliance just as the group launches its renewed vision, mission and strategy. University Alliance represents 13 large…
