ATL COMMENT ON BUSINESS FOCUS FOR DEGREES

Comment on leaked Department of Innovation Universities and Skills paper from a report in the Financial Times (Feb 26 2008).

Dr Mary Bousted, Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) general secretary, said:

“We have no problem with close links developing between universities and industry.  Problems start to come when those links become the dominant model for higher education.

“The UK already has problems with teacher shortages in maths, English, foreign languages and the sciences - physics and chemistry in particular.  If the bulk of spending increases are going to go into ‘business’ degrees (however these are defined), then where are teachers in these subjects going to come from?  Is training to be a doctor or nurse regarded as a ‘business-focused degree’?

“This policy is a fundamental misunderstanding of higher education.  This country’s record in research and development (witness our number of Nobel winners) attracts industry from all over the world.  Would a generation of students with MBA-type qualifications have the same effect?  What will happen to the vital research that keeps our universities up with the best in the world – will research students go to universities overseas?

“Employers have a very time-limited view of skills.  The Government needs to take a longer perspective, producing students who can contribute to society for the next 20, 30 and 40 years.”