A survey conducted by Capita Further and Higher Education has offered an insight into how universities predict the proposed changes to funding and accompanying challenges are likely to affect the sector and students alike.
The survey, which was undertaken at the USICA and UVAC conferences in November 2010 by 57 higher education (HE) institutions, revealed that:
- Almost 70% believe increased tuition fees will make students more critical regarding value for money when choosing which course and where to study
- 18% believe increased tuition fees will reduce student drop-out and a small proportion, 7% think it will lead to a higher quality of student, more able to cope with the study
- 28% of universities think that higher education students having to pay increased tuition fees will encourage students to value the course they study more highly
- 32% believe this more competitive environment will improve the overall quality of higher education
Looking towards the future, the respondents revealed how they planned to cope with the 40% HE funding reduction, with 49% looking to maximise their income, (for example, through overseas students) while 44% will concentrate on minimising expenditure.
George Layfield, UK sales manager at Capita Further and Higher Education commented: “It is clear from the results of the survey that those at the coal face of the coming changes are preparing themselves for a much more competitive sector. Almost three quarters of respondents believe that students will be choosing courses and locations on the basis of ‘value for money’.
“This means that on one hand, universities will need to keep their fingers on the pulse to ensure they are offering the right courses to attract students, and on the other they will need to ensure they are operating as leanly as possible. This is where fully interrogating your student and management data really offers tangible benefits. By tracking and monitoring all the disparate elements that add up to financial and academic success – such as which courses attract the most students – HE institutions can ensure they funnel resources into areas where it will achieve the maximum impact and return on investment.”