UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 16 SEPTEMBER 2019
Universities Minister Chris Skidmore MP, has hailed the transformational importance of arts and humanities subjects during a visit to Birmingham City University.
The Minister, who began his second stint as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation last week, spoke about the impact arts education can make while on a tour of the University’s specialist facilities.
During the visit he was treated to a piano concerto at the University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, was shown innovative design work taking place at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, and met with dozens of students.
He was also given a sneak preview of a collaboration between students from Seoul High School and students from the Conservatoire’s strings department, which was unveiled to audiences with a special performance on Friday 13 September.
Mr Skidmore had been in the second city to speak at a Universities UK Conference where he discussed the importance of universities as places of transformation and praised Birmingham City University for placing ‘Arts and Humanities firmly at its core’.
Speaking at the University Mr Skidmore said: “Birmingham City University is the 40th university I have visited in my capacity as a Minister and it is fantastic to see such creative spaces dedicated to arts education.
“Universities are here to transform lives and provide opportunities for students from all walks of life. And the arts have an important role to play in creating these pathways and opportunities, and I will continue my dedication to make sure that voice is heard in government, parliament and beyond.”
After touring the University’s facilities the Minister held a roundtable discussion with students from the institution and members of its Students’ Union.
Students asked questions ranging from university funding, mental health and post-study visas, following the government announcement made earlier this week.
Speaking to students he said: “It is a real pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with you all. Things always change and move with policy but it’s only by being face to face with students that we can have these conversations and make sure we shape things to help improve lives. So I’m always grateful for the opportunity to meet with students.”