million+ comment on final allocation of university numbers

Responding to the announcement by the Funding Council, Hefce, confirming the final allocation of student numbers to universities for the 2009/10 year, Pam Tatlow Chief Executive of the university think-tank, million+ said ‘million+ advised the Government to provide funds for student support and allow universities to recruit up to 10,000 additional students. The Government left it perilously late to make a decision but the decision to provide the funds means that more student places will be available, many of them offered by modern universities.

However the Government’s decision to restrict funding to STEM subjects has limited the scope of universities to respond. Many students made their subject choices over a year ago and those wishing to study on social science courses and programmes linked to the creative industries will not benefit from the additional places. There are still likely to be disappointed students after clearing and there is no doubt that even more places could have been available if the Government had looked beyond STEM and had provided funds for teaching as well as student support.”

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 Pam Tatlow Chief Executive on pamtatlow@millionplus.ac.uk or 07795 645241