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UK slashes universities' budgets
Source: Agencies |
December 24, 2009, Thursday
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Print Edition
BRITAIN'S universities are being given an uncomfortable reminder of the depth of the recession as the government slashes their budgets and urges them to focus on degrees that will directly benefit the economy.
That means less of the philosophy and art history and more of the vocational subjects like engineering and law.
Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said he also wants to see universities cut some of their usual three-year courses to two as a way of saving money.
His plans have caused outrage in the groves of academe.
Teaching unions said the announcement was a "Christmas kick in the teeth" that would lead to job cuts and a two-tier education system which benefits privileged students.
But the government said the changes would help cut public spending, make universities more flexible and create more graduates able to contribute to the economic recovery.
"The economic situation is extremely challenging," said Mandelson. "Across the public sector we are all facing difficult choices. We will want some shift away from full-time, three-year places and towards a wider variety of provision."
The higher education budget will fall next year by 533 million pounds (US$853?million) to 7.3 billion pounds and universities were told to stay within limits for new students.
But the University and College Union, which represents 120,000 academics, said the changes would damage universities and lead to job cuts and bigger class sizes.
"It is a real Christmas kick in the teeth for staff and students," said UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt. "You cannot make these kinds of cuts and expect no consequences."
The National Union of Students said it feared shorter degrees would provide higher education "on the cheap."
"The scheme must not be about forcing poorer students to choose courses that are not right for them," said NUS President Wes Streeting.
That means less of the philosophy and art history and more of the vocational subjects like engineering and law.
Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said he also wants to see universities cut some of their usual three-year courses to two as a way of saving money.
His plans have caused outrage in the groves of academe.
Teaching unions said the announcement was a "Christmas kick in the teeth" that would lead to job cuts and a two-tier education system which benefits privileged students.
But the government said the changes would help cut public spending, make universities more flexible and create more graduates able to contribute to the economic recovery.
"The economic situation is extremely challenging," said Mandelson. "Across the public sector we are all facing difficult choices. We will want some shift away from full-time, three-year places and towards a wider variety of provision."
The higher education budget will fall next year by 533 million pounds (US$853?million) to 7.3 billion pounds and universities were told to stay within limits for new students.
But the University and College Union, which represents 120,000 academics, said the changes would damage universities and lead to job cuts and bigger class sizes.
"It is a real Christmas kick in the teeth for staff and students," said UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt. "You cannot make these kinds of cuts and expect no consequences."
The National Union of Students said it feared shorter degrees would provide higher education "on the cheap."
"The scheme must not be about forcing poorer students to choose courses that are not right for them," said NUS President Wes Streeting.
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