Elite UK universities are calling for an increase to the value of publicly funded master’s loans to ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds can continue their studies.
In a position paper published on 2 June, the Russell Group of research-intensive universities argues that “funding and affordability remain among the most significant barriers to progression” into postgraduate study, “with many prospective students unable to meet the full cost of study even where academic attainment is strong”.
Urging ministers in devolved administrations across the UK to “review the level and structure of financial support for postgraduate study,” the paper says England should increase the value of the postgraduate master’s loan “so it better reflects the full cost of study and maintenance”.
Introduced in 2016, loans for master’s degrees in England provide a single fixed sum of £12,858. Critics argue that this is often only enough to cover tuition, leaving students to find at least £10,000 from other sources to cover the cost of living while they study.
Similar loans are also available for students studying in Northern Ireland, while maintenance and fee loans are available in Scotland and Wales. In its report, the Russell Group calls for an increase in the amounts available to master’s students in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
