Press release: Ministers must help universities react to change
Commenting on a report published today (Thursday) by Universities UK on the future of universities, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, David Willetts said:
“This new research shows there are some profound future challenges for our universities. They will not be able to rest on their laurels. As well as a decline in the number of young people, they will need to cope with more competition from abroad, the changing needs of employers and greater demand for part-time study.
“The scale of change is so large that it is essential ministers get right the things within their control. But that is not happening. University participation rates have not changed since 2000 and the cut in funding for second-chance students will reduce part-time enrolments by 40,000.
“We need to recognise the challenges facing the higher education sector and then cultivate an environment in which universities can flourish. Otherwise, the sector will deteriorate with harmful consequences for social mobility as well as our place in the international academic league.”
Notes to Editors
The Universities UK report on The future size and shape of the higher education sector in the UK: threats and opportunities on 10th July 2008 notes:
• ‘participation rates have scarcely altered since 2000.’ (p.8)
• ‘The government’s decision to withdraw funding for students studying for a qualification at an equivalent or lower level (ELQ) than one they already have will particularly affect enrolments on part-time undergraduate programmes by as much as 40,000 students in total.” (p.8)