University News Last updated 20 September 2010
The Minister for Universities and Science has said universities need to focus more on teaching in the wake of proposed research cuts.
David Willetts made the comment on a visit to Birmingham City University’s School of Media, where he was interviewed for a student radio station. During an interview for Scratch Radio, the Minister was asked about the future of funding for research in British universities and replied that he felt the emphasis on teaching in universities had lost focus and needed to be strengthened. He said universities and science couldn’t be exempt from government cuts but wanted to strengthen the sector by placing the student, and the teaching experience of the student, centre stage. He said he was worried that there were ‘…strong incentives for research but not for a sufficient focus on teaching….’ and used Birmingham City University as an example of a higher education institution that has a strong track record in teaching.
When questioned about the future of student funding the Minister ruled out a full-blown graduate tax but said that he and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, were working on other ways in which graduates could make a reasonable contribution to the economy to help pay for their education. He also suggested that students who wanted to avoid massive debts upon graduation should consider studying at a local institution instead of moving away from home.
During his visit, which took place on Thursday 16 September, the Minister saw facilities offered by the University’s high-ranking Skillset Media Academy and met the Executive Dean of Birmingham City University’s School of Media, Dan Howard, Chief Executive of Skillset, Dinah Caine and the Director of the BBC Training Academy, Anne Morrison. This was his first visit to a Skillset Academy, which are Government-accredited universities and colleges that work with industry. Presentations were made about the Skillset ‘tick’ which is an industry recognised kitemark, and the benefits of partnerships between universities and Sector Skills Councils. A recent league table in The Guardian ranked the University’s School of Media as the provider of the best practice-based media courses in the country.
Third year media studies student, Toby Nutter, told the Minister that he applied for a course at Birmingham City University because of Skillset accreditation. He said: “When I was looking for a degree course I was told the University was applying for the Skillset ‘tick’. I searched through hundreds of courses and Birmingham City University was the only institution to mention Skillset; that’s one of the main reasons why I chose to study here, along with the reputation of the teaching staff and the emphasis on placements.”
Birmingham City University’s Dan Howard said: “The School of Media is delighted to have Skillset Academy status. We are proud of our extensive links with industry and emphasise the importance of work experience as vital to creating employable graduates.”