Traditional uni experience could become preserve of the elite

Posted 08 Sep 2010

According to a new report released by Universities UK, which is formed of vice-chancellors of universities, the traditional residential experience of university could become the preserve of an elite.

That is because of the proposed funding cuts, which may mean that universities will not be able to provide accommodation for all of its students.

Add to this the prospect of increased tuition fees, it is perhaps no surprise that vice-chancellors fear a two-tier system will develop, as most people will not be able to afford to attend.

The number of students deciding to partake in part-time or online study has also increased as the Open University has seen applications for its online degrees grow
by a third this year.

If youngsters are concerned about the effect that funding cuts will have on higher education establishments they could consider taking a TEFL course and learn how to teach English abroad instead.

Prof Geoffrey Crossick, vice-chancellor of the University of London, said in the report: "Higher education as a life-course stage will narrow to just one part of the population who experience it."

Universities UK states there are nearly two and a half million people studying in the UK at any one time.
 

Category: Teaching and Learning