University Alliance » Policy & Research

Response to UCAS consultation on admissions reform

Naomi Maclachlan — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:23:24 +0000

Image courtesy of comedy_nose via Flickr

University Alliance response to the UCAS consultation on proposals to reform the university admissions process. We broadly support the changes proposed for 2014 and there is general recognition that there is value in pursuing reform of the admissions system. However, it is not clear that the proposal for 2016 provides the best solution to the underlying issues highlighted in the Admissions Process Review (APR).

Download the University Alliance response here.

Response to Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: The EU Contribution

Andrew Henry — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:12:55 +0000

University Alliance has submitted the following response to the Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: The EU Contribution. Download it here.

BIS Technical Consultation – a new, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for the Higher Education sector

Sam Jones — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:52:18 +0000

University Alliance has submitted the following response to the BIS Technical Consultation – a new, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for the Higher Education sector. Download it here.

We welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation. At this critical juncture for the higher education sector, it is imperative that an appropriate regulatory framework follows the change in funding environment.

Throughout our response to this consultation, as well as our response to the White Paper, we attempt to comment constructively on proposals. However we are eager to ensure that as a new regulatory framework is developed, the Government keep in mind the features of higher education that make our sector world-leading. This period of change will cause inevitable disruption which we believe can be minimised through ongoing consultation with the sector.

Universities deliver many shared priorities with government. As one of the UK’s major export industries, universities have the capacity to leverage investment. Through playing an active leadership role in the regional economy they bring together key players in the partnerships that will help rebalance the economy. As part of a global knowledge network, universities generate, translate and disseminate research-led innovation. By exchanging knowledge with business and enterprise, universities also support its adoption and exploitation. Through widening participation and delivering access to the professions, they support social mobility. By engaging individuals in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, they support civic engagement and a more tolerant and cohesive future society.

Recognition of this wider economic and social role is critical if we are to plan and provide for the higher education system we need. In this way we can successfully position the UK within a competitive, challenging and knowledge-based global economy.

Response to Milburn review into Social Mobility and Child Poverty

Sam Jones — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:36 +0000

Improving social mobility is a great focus and strength of Alliance universities. They have leading graduate prospects and on average over twice as many students from lower-income and under-represented groups compared with the rest of the sector. Universities are contributing to social mobility through opening doors to higher education and breaking barriers into meaningful employment.

University Alliance has submitted the following response to the Milburn review into Social Mobility and Child Poverty – download it here.

Higher Education: consultation on potential early repayment mechanisms for student loans

Louisa Carpenter — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:43:06 +0000

University Alliance response to the Hefce consultation Higher Education: consultation on potential early repayment mechanisms for student loans.

Download the University Alliance response here.

Teaching funding and student number controls, consultation on changes to be implemented in 2012-13

Louisa Carpenter — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:39:17 +0000

University Alliance response to the Teaching funding and student number controls, consultation on changes to be implemented in 2012-13

Download our response here.

University Alliance response to the Higher Education White Paper ‘Students at the Heart of the System’

Louisa Carpenter — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:56:54 +0000

University Alliance response to the Higher Education White Paper ‘Students at the Heart of the System’.

Download the University Alliance response here.

Growing the future: universities leading, changing and creating the regional economy

Louisa Carpenter — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:12 +0000

Our universities are providing more than just a degree; and that they are more than just part of the education system.

Universities are critical to the future growth of our economy.

‘Growing the future’, a new publication from University Alliance, illustrates the vital role universities are playing in the economy through the voices of the very people who have experienced firsthand the power of genuine engagement and partnership with universities.

Contributors range from business leaders, politicians, economists and the like from the UK and abroad, including, amongst others, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Richard Lambert, Will Hutton, Angela Sainiand a foreword from Vince Cable.

Download the booklet here - Growing the Future.

University Alliance response to the Department for Education consultation on ‘Training our next generation of outstanding teachers’

Sam Jones — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:23:41 +0000

University Alliance response to the Department for Education consultation on ‘Training our next generation of outstanding teachers’ (see the DfE website for more details).

Download the University Alliance response here.

University Alliance response to HEFCE consultation on allocation method for postgraduate research funding from 2012-13

Louisa Carpenter — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:34:44 +0000

University Alliance Response to HEFCE consultation on allocation method for postgraduate research funding from 2012-13

Consultation question 1: Do you agree that for 2012-13 we should increase the value of the RDP supervision fund, by up to £35 million?

Consultation question 2: Which of the options we have described for linking the allocation of RDP supervision funding to quality (a threshold, or a quality weighting) best meets our aim of encouraging the supervision of students in higher-quality research environments? Why?

Consultation question 3:If we used a quality score, as described in paragraph 22, to achieve differentiation by quality does a ratio of 1:2 seem appropriate?

Consultation question 4: Do you consider that the value of an institution’s RDP grant relative to its mainstream QR grant provides a useful indicator of the sustainability of postgraduate supervisory activity at whole-institution level?

[Download consultation response as PDF]