26.03.10
1994 Group responds to Martin Davidson's comments on overseas student recruitment
In reaction to Martin Davidson’s comments at the ‘Going Global’ conference, Paul Marshall, Executive Director of the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities said:
“Our universities take an entirely strategic approach to recruiting students, and will continue to do so despite current financial pressures. It is wrong to imply that there will be a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to these pressures.”
“International students are a vital part of our universities, for many more reasons than their financial contributions. We are a set of universities with a key focus on internationalising the student experience. The presence of international students on our campuses creates a rich cultural environment, and hugely strengthens the experience of all our students.”
“Our international students benefit from the same excellent student experience as our home students, which has been consistently demonstrated in the National Student Survey. In addition, the International Student Barometer has demonstrated that students from overseas are extremely satisfied with the experience they receive at 1994 Group universities.”
“As a Group we are working towards providing the best information for international students so they can make the most informed decisions about studying in the UK. We are developing an interactive online resource for international and domestic students, to better explain the type of learning that is offered by our universities, and the type of experience they can expect to receive.”
Notes to Editors
1. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK's leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching.
2. In 17 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE). 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009.
3. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.
4. Press Enquiries please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group. Tel: 0207 872 5596 or 07779 232 731. Email: alistair.jarvis@1994group.co.uk