UNITED KINGDOM — The UK Government has announced plans to crack down on universities that offer poor-quality degree courses with high drop-out rates and limited employment prospects. Under the new measures, the Office for Students (OfS) will be asked to restrict the number of students universities can enrol on courses that fail to deliver good outcomes.
According to the Office for Students, almost 30% of graduates do not secure highly skilled jobs or go on to further study within 15 months of graduation. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that 1 in 5 graduates would be better off financially if they had not gone to university.
To protect students and taxpayers from poor-quality courses, the government will also reduce the maximum fee that universities can charge for foundation year courses to £5,760. These courses are designed to help students prepare for degrees with specific entry requirements or knowledge, such as in medicine or veterinary sciences.
Critics of foundation year courses argue that too many students are encouraged to take them, particularly in subjects like business where they are not necessary. The government hopes that reducing the maximum fee will discourage universities from offering foundation year courses that do not offer students value for money.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said the new measures would crack down on higher education providers that offer poor-quality courses and send a clear signal that students will not be sold a false promise. She added, "wherever they choose to study, it is vital students can gain the skills needed to get great jobs and succeed."
The government's plan to improve the quality of higher education is part of its broader effort to ensure that young people can choose the path that is right for them, whether it is a university degree, a higher technical qualification, or an apprenticeship.
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