14.05.10
1994 Group Chair sets out recommendations to Browne Review
1994 Group Chair sets out recommendations to Browne
Review
Today the 1994 Group submitted their final
recommendations to the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and
Student Support led by Lord Browne.
Commenting on the submission, Professor Paul Wellings, Chair
of the 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University said:
"The 1994 Group's recommendations have clear benefits for
students, universities and the Government. Our primary concern is that quality
is maintained so that universities are able to deliver a high quality
experience for students and meet the nation's needs: strengthening the economy,
delivering novel solutions to major challenges through research, and developing
a world-class highly skilled workforce."
"Quality can only be maintained by a combination of
increasing both institutional autonomy and funding. To achieve financial
sustainability a moderately increased baseline unit of resource is necessary,
formed by a combination of public funding and student fees. If the aim is to
enhance quality, then a staged increase in the fee level above the baseline
would be needed. Universities would have the freedom to set fees at course
level up to a maximum cap. The fee cap should be set at a level which generates
genuine competition, in order to enhance excellence in learning and teaching."
"Two fundamental guarantees must be at the centre of any
recommendations. Firstly, a guarantee that a targeted and robust student
support system is in place that ensures that no student is unable to attend
university because of cost. University should be free at the point of
consumption for all undergraduate students, with repayments contingent on
income after graduation. Secondly, a commitment from universities to continue
to enhance the student experience on offer to all students."
"There should be no barriers to able students entering
higher education due to inability to pay and there should be no fee which
cannot be met by a combination of borrowing and bursary. Non-repayable student
support should be directed to those in most need. The full-time undergraduate
finance and support system should be extended to part-time and PGT students, if
this can be made affordable."
"A national cap on numbers is currently necessary due to
financial constraints, but a mechanism must be developed that enables
universities to increase their student numbers. We recommend the introduction
of flexibility in the movement of student numbers on the basis of consistent
and demonstrable student demand and quality of output, for example, by
rewarding universities that show high retention and completion rates."
Notes to Editors
1. The full submission to the review is available here .
2. 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. www.1994group.ac.uk
3. 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. 7 of
the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities
(2009 National Student Survey). 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).
4. 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.
5. Press enquiries please contact Alistair Jarvis,
Director of Communications at the 1994 Group on alistair.jarvis@1994group.ac.uk
or 0207 872 5596