Reports
24 October 2011
million+/NUS Mature Students Survey
million+ and NUS are undertaking new study into mature students to ensure that universities and student unions are supporting those who enter university for the first time later in life. The study will investigate the realities of life as a mature student and conclude with the publication of a best practice guide in May 2012.
The first part of the study is a survey of mature students that will run until the end of November 2011. If you are a mature student you can fill out the survey here.
You can read more about the study here.
19 September 2011
Universities Driving Social Mobility - Beyond the Oxbridge Obsession
Universities Driving Social Mobility – Beyond the Oxbridge Obsession applauds the Government’s commitment to promote a society in which people can improve their lot in life, including by studying at university. However, it warns that in spite of this aspiration, the Government’s approach to the role it wants universities
to play in driving social mobility is very narrow. It concludes that it’s time to move ‘beyond the Oxbridge obsession’.
The report can be downloaded here
17 May 2011
Research that Matters
Research that Matters is an evaluation of university research funding in the UK. The report concludes that if the Government concentrates even more research funding to a small number of universities, it will hamstring the Government’s own objectives of promoting innovation, as well as economic growth at the regional or national level.
The report can be downloaded here
11 March 2011
International Higher Education: Missing an Opportunity?
This million+ report concludes that the Government should set out a comprehensive strategy for international higher education in the forthcoming Higher Education White Paper.
Download the full report here Missing an Opportunity FINAL.pdf and the executive summary here.
31 January 2011
The National Scholarship Programme: A national scheme or a postcode lottery?
This million+ Policy Paper sets out the unanswered questions about the Government’s flagship scheme to help the poorest students go to university. It also sets out the million+ proposals to deliver a truly national scheme, linked to household income and open to all students on equal terms.
Download the Policy Paper here.
30 November 2010
Fair, Progressive and Good Value?
‘Fair, Progressive and Good Value?’ analyses the Government’s proposals for the reform of university funding in England which will cut undergraduate funding by 80% (£2.9bn) per annum by 2014/15 and will lead to much higher fees for students entering university form 2012. The Report assesses Coalition Ministers’ claims that their proposals offer a more progressive system and better value for taxpayers and examines the likely impact of the proposals on social mobility – a key objective for higher education set out in the Coalition Agreement.
The Report concludes that in their current form, the Government’s proposals are likely to impact adversely on social mobility and participation and will lead to 60-65% of graduates being worse-off than under the current system with the greatest impact on middle income earners and further, that the proposals are unlikely to provide good value for taxpayers.
Download the full report here, Progressive and Good Value Final Report.pdf and the summary here, Progressive and Good Value Summary.pdf
13 September 2010
A Graduate Tax: Would it work?
A Graduate Tax: Would it work? outlines how tuition fees could be abolished and student debt reduced by at least £10,000 through the introduction of a graduate tax. With Lord Browne’s review of fees and funding due to report in October, the comprehensive economic modelling in this report challenges Coalition Ministers and MPs to properly consider all funding options.
The report can be downloaded here: GRAD_TAX_REPORT_FINAL.pdf (2MB)
29 June 2010
So just what is a university?
A short guide to many frequently asked questions about universities. This booklet also specifically refers to the development and role of modern universities and provides a brief analysis of current higher education issues.
The report can be downloaded here: WHAT_IS_A_UNIVERSITY.pdf (451KB)
10 June 2010
million+ Annual Report 2009/2010
In the last year we have sought to enhance our role as a university think-tank with the publication of a series of influential and wide-ranging reports and policy papers.
Our research, events and our appearances in the media have demonstrated that million+ provides cutting edge analysis of the role and impact of universities.
The Coalition Government and MPs elected in May 2010 will need this analysis if they want to promote innovation, social mobility and the international higher education partnerships which are an integral part of the activities of UK universities.
The report can be downloaded here: Annual Report 2009-2010 FINAL.pdf (3MB)
21 April 2010
Could do better: Scorecard for Higher Education
The million+ Higher Education ‘Scorecard’ analyses the key policy issues for the next Government, the positions of the three main parties to date and sets out a ‘Gold Standard’ for higher education policies.
The report can be downloaded here: million+ HE Scorecard.pdf (129KB)
3 March 2010
A Postgraduate Strategy for Britain
million+ research into postgraduate provision in the UK’s higher education sector: seeking the expansion of excellence, innovation and opportunity.
13 January 2010
Fair Funding for All
The case for a more sustainable, flexible and fairer fees and funding system to maximise opportunity and participation in higher education.
29 October 2009
From inputs to impact: a study of the impact of JISC funding on universities
million+ research into the impact of funding to support advances in the application of digital technologies in UK universities.
30 June 2009
million+ Annual Report 2008/2009
In the last year we have sought to enhance our role as a university think-tank with the publication of a series of influential and wide-ranging reports and policy papers. Our research, events and our appearances in the media have demonstrated that million+ provides cutting edge analysis of the role and impact of universities which are making Britain a fairer, more cohesive and more innovative society.
million+ has continued to build and maintain relationships with Ministers, Opposition Spokespersons, Backbench MPs and Peers from all parties. The advocacy of million+ has influenced Government policy, changed funding regimes and influenced thinking in the wider political arena. We hope that policy-makers and politicians from all Parties will continue to use our analysis to promote innovation in research and teaching, social mobility and an international higher education agenda of strategic importance to the UK.
30 March 2009
Social Mobility: Universities Changing Lives
“This report proves the social mobility pessimists wrong. New generations of students have been encouraged to apply to university.”
24 March 2009
Policy Paper Enrol for free
The case for a new university offer for those on Job Seekers Allowance and short-time working
27 January 2009
Universities and International Higher Education Partnerships: Making a Difference
A report prepared for million+ by Kingston University
1 July 2008
Creative Futures: building the creative economy through universities
A report prepared for million+ by Napier University’s Centre for Creative and Cultural Industries Research
Download Executive Summary (3MB)
Download full report (284KB)
12 June 2008
Supporting our universities: a roundtable discussion
Report on the Smith Institute roundtable discussion, held with the support of million+ on the developing role of universities within the modern British economy
19 November 2007
Reality check: student finance regimes
A report undertaken by London Economics for million+ based on publicly available data.
Download summary - updated (657KB)
Download the full report - updated (714KB)
20 June 2006
'The social and economic impact of publicly funded research in 35 universities'
Written by Arthur D Little (May 2006)
Download the summary (401KB)
Download the full report (320KB)