Protect the real value of university education

12 April 2012

Universities are far more numerous than they were a generation ago, far more people attend them and have to borrow a great deal of money - up to £9,000 a year - for the privilege. That expansion in higher education has resulted, in many cases, in a diminution in the standards of teaching, which the Government now wants to address.

The proposals which David Willetts, the higher education minister, is to announce to the Commons would increase competition between universities, encourage market forces in education by allowing private universities to expand and give prospective students information about courses to promote consumer choice.

These are all good things but they risk making universities seem like any other commercial institution rather than bodies that advance scholarship and inculcate students with a knowledge and love of their subject. That is one danger of the Higher Education Funding Council's otherwise laudable requirement that universities publish information about themselves on something like a price comparison website, showing graduates' salaries, tuition hours and the satisfaction ratings of students.

Plainly, students want to know they are getting value for their hefty tuition fees. And encouraging them to examine what universities have to offer and to seek out the best-performing ones is a reliable way of raising standards. But although competition improves most institutions and services, the unique vocation of the universities has to be acknowledged and protected.

Indeed, it would be possible for Mr Willetts to improve what he calls the "student experience" without resorting to yet another policy revolution. In far too many universities, students get little time with tutors, have far too few lectures and have to submit too little work. These abuses are a consequence of the inflation in the size of the sector. If the minister wanted, he could close failing institutions and reform others, as an alternative to working through the mechanism of the market.

The proposals are logical, using consumer choice to drive up university standards, but they give the wearying impression that the Government is perpetually engaged in policy revolution. It has arguably enough on its hands at present, coping with the public and professional response to its radical NHS reforms. It could do without another ideological conflict. Mr Willetts is right to want to improve universities' standards, but his market-driven approach still has to be sold to many academics or students.

Gang warfare

In summer, tempers rise quickly but the latest outbreak of gang violence in London is due to far more worrying factors than a climb in the temperature. There has been an increase in the number of attacks on young people, by girls as well as boys. Police are seeking two girl gang members who inflicted terrifying violence on victims in a mugging at Aldgate. And while the Met has broken one robbery gang responsible for terrorising schoolgirls using knives and hammers, we can expect similar attacks this summer. The police have a perpetual challenge dealing with the many facets of risks to the public, from terrorism to gun crime. They have to deal with the emergence of the new gangs, however, as an urgent priority.

London's top notes

The singer, Beyoncé, has entertained her friends at a secret gig in Shepherd's Bush in a free concert. At this time of year, thrill-seekers may go to venues like Glastonbury, but it's in London that the real fun happens.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in