Lord Mandelson's speech on the future of higher education
Responding to a speech by universities secretary Lord Mandelson today (Monday) in which he outlined his vision for the higher education framework and touched on the future fees and funding review a million+ spokesperson said, “million+ welcomes Lord Mandelson’s recognition that universities are an engine for social mobility and a ‘social trust’ which contribute to the economy and to society in its broadest sense.
“The holistic fees and funding review to which Lord Mandelson committed today will also be welcomed by those who believe that students of all ages and backgrounds should have access to support so they may take advantage of all of the opportunities that universities provide.
“As Lord Mandelson will know from his time as MP for Hartlepool, and as European Commissioner, all UK universities excel in teaching, research and knowledge transfer. It is crucial that the Higher Education Framework, and the fees and funding review, challenge any historic presumptions and hierarchies if the full potential of the UK’s higher education system is to be exploited in the future.
“million+ also welcomes the announcement of a government review into postgraduate provision and looks forward to feeding into the review in the coming months.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
- For more information please contact Gemma Tumelty, Public Affairs Officer on 0207 7171657 or 07900 277819.