Rising debt a key concern
Rising debt was emphasised as a key concern for students on the panel who were commenting on their university experience. Students’ unions, societies and “getting involved” were crucial to a their development, many witnesses believed.
Market of prestige
Agreeing with Wes Streeting's earlier comments to the Committee, they recognised the market of prestige that exists between different institutions and how their choice of course contributed to their decision of where to study.
National bursary scheme
When asked if national bursary scheme based on need rather than institution was necessary, the witnesses all replied that this should be the case, with the financial assessment of the individual rather than of their families.
Lecturers
When asked on whether lecturers should have teaching positions the witnesses overall decided that were necessary this should be the case - tutors should be passionate about their subject, engaged in research but that this should not impinge upon their contact time and teaching quality.
The Witnesses
The Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee heard from witnesses from the following institutions in its inquiry into Students and Universities:
- Salford University
- Northumbria University
- Loughborough University
- Brunel University
- Sheffield
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Wolverhampton University
- Liverpool University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Birmingham University and Portsmouth University