An influential government-commissioned report yesterday recommended that UK universities be allowed to charge students higher fees. (Guardian, Telegraph, BBC News)
The extra income will go some way to help cash strapped universities. But increased government spending is still needed to plug a funding gap in the teaching of science and engineering courses, science campaigners have warned.
John Browne, former chief executive of BP, recommended today that the current £3,290 cap on student fees be removed allowing universities to charge what they like. The proposals come in Browne’s long awaited review of student finance.
The aim of increasing student fees is to generate more income for universities and allow them freedom to manage their coffers, reducing their reliance on government funding.
Imran Khan, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering says he is concerned about the possible impact that increasing fees could have on science and technology subjects.
A reduction in funding for science teaching in 2004 lead to the closure of a number of chemistry and physics departments, including Kings College London.
“The key question is whether universities will actually get any more money to teach their currently under-funded science and engineering courses,” Khan says in a statement.
“Increased student fees must not just offset a reduced government subsidy – we need funding for these subjects to actually rise,” he says.
“We’re now in the vulnerable situation where a single department is responsible for funding universities as well as overseeing the science and research budget. We cannot see money simply being transferred from research into teaching to make up any shortfall – it underlines why we need a ring-fence for the science budget,” he adds.
Many research intensive universities welcomed Browne’s review.
Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of universities, which includes the universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Manchester, said, “These recommendations could make or break our world-class universities. That’s because, bluntly, our leading institutions will not be able to compete with generously-funded universities in other countries if they are not able to secure extra funding.”
Responding to the report, Vince Cable, the business secretary, said the government endorses the “main thrust of the report” adding Browne’s proposals are “on the right lines”.
Further details of the government’s plans for university funding will be set out in next week’s comprehensive spending review, due on 20 October.