Students could face subject "cold spots" if universities are not allowed to work together more to deliver courses, according to a new report. The review by Universities UK, which represents 141 institutions, found universities were reluctant to collaborate because of concerns around breaking business laws designed to promote healthy competition between them. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it wanted to support collaboration where possible in a "very challenging" financial situation for the sector. A government review of how higher education will be funded in the long term is under way in England, and is expected to be published later this year. The Universities UK report said greater collaboration between universities could be a solution for institutions who are struggling to cut costs and become more efficient. Some universities are already delivering courses this way, to the benefit of students. Mature student Joe Vincent, 33, lives at home in Devon with his partner and baby while studying in Plymouth for a masters degree in pharmacy from the University of Bath, over 130 miles away. "It's everything for me", he says, adding that being able to study and qualify locally "is the difference between me having this career, and not having this career". In 2018, he trained as a pharmacy technician at a nearby college, because there was no local university course available to become a pharmacist. This close collaboration between universities is also intended to meet a shortage of community pharmacists in the South West. Sir Nigel Carrington, who led the review for Universities UK, said more clarity was needed to prevent universities having to make decisions about which courses to close, or merge, in isolation from one another. He told the BBC there was a risk of "cold spots emerging in which there will be no opportunity for prospective students to study the subjects they want to study in their home cities or their home regions". He said neighbouring universities should be allowed to look at which subjects they recruit the fewest students for and agree that only one of them should teach that course, "divvying up other courses between them" and working out where delivering a subject would be most cost effective. After theUniversity of Cardiff announced job losses earlier this year, vice-chancellor Prof Wendy Larner told The Times newspaper she was "deeply frustrated" by legal advice not to consult other universities on the impact of course closures, adding the system was "set up to enhance competition, not collaboration". The CMA enforces the existing law, which applies across different sectors to protect consumers, in this case students. In a blog post published on Friday,it said it recognised the financial problems facing universities and that it wanted to support collaboration where possible. The CMA said ideas such as sharing back-office functions, or discussing possible mergers with other universities, were unlikely to raise competition law concerns. Juliette Enser, executive director of competition enforcement at the CMA, said: "We know universities are interested in collaborating on courses they offer and we are working to understand how this fits with overall plans for higher education reform." It would be for the government to change the law, or how universities are regulated, to allow up-front conversations to be had about whether some subjects need a different kind of collaboration in different regions. University budgets have been strained by a16% drop in international students- who pay higher fees than domestic students - after changes to visa rules came into force last January. University income in the form of fees has also failed to keep up with inflation, rising for the first time in eight years this autumnfrom £9,250 to £9,535. The higher education regulator in England, the Office for Students, has said four in 10 universities are heading for a financial deficit by this summer, despite thousands of job losses already having been announced. Course cutbacks or closure announcements have also followed one after the other this year, from the University of East Anglia to Sheffield, Durham, Bournemouth and many more. It has become a patchwork of individual institutional decisions, largely driven by market forces, including how many students want to sign up for individual subjects. The government said it had been clear that universities needed to increase opportunities for students and contribute more to growth in the economy. In response to the review, Jacqui Smith, the Skills Minister, said: "I am pleased to see the sector taking steps to grip this issue as we restore our universities as engines of opportunity, aspiration and growth." A review of the longer term future of higher education in England is expected to be published before the summer.
Students warned of subject cold spots as universities cut courses
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Report Highlights Risk of Subject Cold Spots Amid University Course Cuts"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent report by Universities UK warns that students may encounter 'cold spots' in subject availability if universities do not enhance collaboration in delivering courses. The report highlights that many institutions are hesitant to work together due to fears of violating competition laws designed to foster healthy competition among them. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed its intention to support collaborative efforts, especially in light of the challenging financial landscape facing higher education. A government review on the long-term funding of higher education in England is anticipated later this year, which may influence the current dynamics among universities. The report suggests that collaboration could help institutions reduce costs and improve efficiency, thereby benefiting students who may otherwise face limited course options. For instance, mature student Joe Vincent, who travels over 130 miles from Devon to study pharmacy at the University of Bath, emphasizes the importance of local course availability for his career prospects, highlighting the potential benefits of regional collaboration between universities to address shortages in fields like community pharmacy in the South West.
Sir Nigel Carrington, who led the review, emphasized the need for greater clarity in decision-making processes regarding course closures or mergers to prevent isolated decisions that could lead to 'cold spots.' He proposed that neighboring universities should assess their course offerings and potentially consolidate certain subjects to ensure that students have access to a variety of options without unnecessary duplication. The CMA has acknowledged the financial strains on universities, exacerbated by a significant decline in international student enrollment and rising operational costs. As pressures mount, universities have begun announcing course cutbacks and closures, with several institutions already reporting financial deficits. The government has reiterated its commitment to increasing student opportunities and has urged universities to contribute more effectively to economic growth. In response to the review, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith expressed optimism about the sector's proactive approach to addressing these issues, as a comprehensive review of higher education's future is expected to be published soon.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights a pressing issue within the higher education sector in England, focusing on the potential emergence of "cold spots" for certain subjects. As universities face financial challenges, the reluctance to collaborate due to competition laws could lead to a lack of course availability for students in their local areas. This situation raises questions about the accessibility of education and the overall impact on communities.
Concern Over Course Availability
The concern that certain subjects may become unavailable in specific regions is significant. The mention of Joe Vincent, a mature student whose educational journey is heavily reliant on local courses, underscores the personal impact of these potential "cold spots." His experience illustrates the real-world consequences of universities not being able to collaborate effectively.
Financial Pressures and Competition Laws
The financial strain on universities is a central theme of the report. The restrictive competition laws intended to foster healthy competition may inadvertently hinder collaboration that could benefit students and institutions alike. The Competition and Markets Authority's stance suggests that there is a recognized need for a balance between competition and collaboration, especially in a challenging economic climate.
Government Review and Future Implications
The ongoing government review of higher education funding is crucial. The outcomes of this review could significantly influence how universities operate and collaborate in the future. The uncertainty surrounding funding adds another layer of complexity to the situation, making it even more critical for universities to find innovative solutions.
Community Pharmacist Shortage
The report also touches on the broader implications of course availability, particularly in relation to workforce shortages in specific fields, such as community pharmacy in the South West. By highlighting this issue, the report connects the dots between educational offerings and local employment needs, emphasizing the importance of accessible education in addressing workforce gaps.
Potential Manipulation and Public Perception
While the report aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by universities and students, there is a possibility that it could be perceived as a call for more government intervention or funding. The language used may evoke a sense of urgency that could lead to public pressure on policymakers. However, the framing of the issue primarily seeks to generate discussion rather than manipulate public opinion overtly.
The reliability of the information presented appears sound, based on the involvement of Universities UK and the acknowledgment of the Competition and Markets Authority. These are credible organizations within the education sector. The article’s primary goal is to inform stakeholders about the risks associated with current educational structures while advocating for collaborative solutions to improve course availability.
Overall, this report serves as a critical reminder of the need for universities to adapt to changing circumstances, emphasizing collaboration as a potential pathway to ensure that all students have access to the subjects they wish to study.