Universities Challenged

With one of the oldest University systems in the world it was inevitable any change would attract passionate opinions from Government, Students, Graduates, Employers and Parents across England. The problem is no-one can agree but a decision could be made based on Lord Browne's report.


From our point of view we can see it from many angles and despite it being an increase in cost to parents and students they are now consumers with rights. Students should expect value for money and a world beating education for the investment they are making in further education. For Universities they now have the much needed funding to get them back on an even keel and start climbing back up the world league rankings and deliver on student expectations. Meanwhile, employers will continue to benefit from the pool of talented graduates with skills and intellect to drive this country out of the recession.

I have kept in touch with about six University friends since we left Brighton University in '94. I stayed on the south coast whilst all the others returned home. I recently met with them all and one guy reminded me it was 20 years ago that we all started at Brighton Uni! Apart from feeling really old and wondering where the years had gone it made me realise how our choice to go to Uni led us directly onto the paths we now lead.

Back then you could still get a grant and there was certainly less debt. It was just as much fun then as it is now and after three to four years (I did a year placement) we entered the world of work. All bar one have taken careers related to their degree interestingly. I asked him if he would change anything and he said, studied harder for his A Levels and become an Investment Banker!

Whilst we are not all money-motivated, for him, like many others his choice was predetermined by exam results and hindsight is a wonderful thing but I think everyone finds their level and we have all done pretty well for ourselves. Will I be recommending Uni for my son? Most definitely, the difference this time is I'm the one paying for it!