The government has announced a crackdown on so-called rip-off university degrees that lead to low employment prospects and typically high drop-out rates.
As part of the new plans, the university courses that are delivering poor outcomes will be limited in how many students they can enrol.
The move is part of government efforts to enable young people to choose the career path that is best for them, with the Office for Students estimating that almost three in 10 graduates do not progress into highly skilled jobs or further education 15 months after completing their courses.
Around one in five students would have been more financially secure if they had not gone to university, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
One in five graduates would be better off if they hadn’t gone to university.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 17, 2023
That’s unacceptable.
So @RishiSunak is cracking down on rip-off university degrees and boosting skills-based learning.
Here’s how👇 pic.twitter.com/hukazYOo0A
Classroom-based foundation year courses will also be subject to stricter controls as the Department for Education also announces a new cap on the maximum fee providers can charge – £5,760 down from £9,250.
The Office for Students will also continue its work to make the higher education selection process more transparent, with a focus on ensuring students know the earning potential of their chosen degree so they can make the most informed decision possible.
“These new measures will crack down on higher education providers that continue to offer poor quality courses and send a clear signal that we will not allow students to be sold a false promise,” said the education secretary, Gillian Keegan.
“Wherever they choose to study, it is vital students can gain the skills needed to get great jobs and succeed – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow our economy.”
Image credit: iStock
