Britain does not have a world-class higher education system. We have a small number of truly world-class universities, able to compete in the top tier of global research. We have pockets of excellence elsewhere, as well as vocationally focused courses that equip people for jobs such as engineering and nursing. But we also have far too many courses that are poor quality, low value or simply not needed.
In 15 subjects, more than a quarter of graduates earned less than the National Living Wage after five years
A third of graduates are not in graduate jobs. At least 30 per cent of degrees do not deliver a total positive return. Only 57 per cent of graduates are in full time work 15 months after graduation – while 13 per cent of young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) have a degree or other higher education qualification. Outcomes for those with poor A-Level results, with BTECs and on franchised degrees are significantly worse than the sector average. In 15 subjects, including Sociology, Creative Arts and Design and Performing Arts, more than a quarter of graduates earned less than the National Living Wage after five years.
Policy Exchange’s latest report, Tarnished Towers, reveals a higher education system in melt-down, with job losses, course closures and restructuring initiatives across the sector, alongside a wholesale collapse in outcomes, standards and the graduate premium.
