Universities step up efforts to tackle low value degrees

Universities UK [@UniversitiesUK] will publish a new framework for universities in England today [Monday 17 January 2022] to identify and improve any course which falls short of the high-quality education they aim to offer all students.

Universities already regularly monitor courses, but assessing value is challenging and can be subjective.

Alongside principles and guidance, the framework sets out core measures for universities in England to use in annual course review processes covering student and graduate views on the course, student outcomes and graduate prospects. This includes rates of continuation and completion and progression onto graduate jobs, alongside graduate views on career progression.

In recognition of the wider value of higher education and how this contributes to national priorities – including levelling up and improving life chances across the UK, provision of skills, supporting economic growth nationally and locally and contributing to social responsibility – the framework provides guidance on how institutions can consider the full impact of courses. 

Universities are encouraged to consider how their courses contribute to high growth industries, business creation and skills needs in local areas, and where graduates contribute to public services, for example the NHS, and to cultural and positive environmental activity.

The framework also includes a commitment to transparency and consistency, as universities in England are asked to publish statements covering the steps they have taken in monitoring, assessing, and taking action on low value courses on their websites by early 2023.

Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Chair of UUK’s advisory group for programme reviews and Chair of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, commented:

“Universities must be able to communicate why they offer the courses they do, and the value of those courses, to prospective students, employers and the public.

“Although UK universities have a strong track record of delivering high quality courses which equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to progress to rewarding careers, universities know there is a need to address public concerns about potentially low value courses.

“This framework will help universities take a more consistent and transparent approach to annual course reviews and support them in taking decisive action should a course fall below the high, world-class standards they rightly set.