University News Last updated 09 November 2010
Visitors to Birmingham City University’s web site are invited to join the big debate about the Government’s proposals to transform higher education funding.
The University is promoting its Join The Debate blogging forum which looks at the big issues. The current focus is on the Coalition Government’s proposals to shake-up higher education funding.
“Government plans major changes to the way universities are funded and the level of fees universities will be able to charge for degrees to shift spending power from the State to students,” explained Kathryn Jones, Director of Group Marketing and Communications at Birmingham City University.
“Effectively, the Government wants to remove the majority of the funding previously given to universities for their teaching and make the money available to students instead through student support – student loans, maintenance grants and scholarships.”
To offset the proposed cuts in their teaching subsidy, universities will be allowed to charge higher fees that represent the true value of higher education given that graduates on average have better employment prospects and can expect to earn at least £100,000, net of tax, more than non-graduates across their working lives.
The proposals have been inspired by an independent review of higher education funding conducted by former BP boss Lord Browne, who believes that “students are best placed to make the judgment about what they want to get from participating in higher education’ and that ‘student choice will drive up quality’”.
With funding directly following the choices of students, the Government believes this will encourage universities to put more focus on teaching quality and employment opportunities for their graduates.
Birmingham City University has always recognised these crucial components in producing successful graduates. As a University we pride ourselves on our ability to educate students for professional careers and have links with over 40 professional bodies.
We have previously been recognised for our innovation in producing industry-ready and futureproof graduates. This, combined with our cutting-edge innovation and expertise, enables us to make a massive contribution to the regional economy.
In total, Birmingham City University contributes about £180million to the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) - and across the West Midlands supports thousands of jobs and contributes more than £270million to regional GDP.
- To Join The Debate, click here.