‘Degrees of Value: How universities benefit society’ looks at some of the social contributions of universities in Britain.
A healthier, more co-operative and more democratic nation: Universities improve political engagement, foster interpersonal trust and improve health, benefitting the whole population, not just those who went to university. The report estimates the value of these outcomes alone is £1.31 billion.
Higher social mobility: Manchester Metropolitan University has facilitated above average social mobility in the local area, through catering to local course demands, outreach programmes and offering opportunities for part time students. The social value of this outcome is around £147 million a year/
Volunteering and culture: The University of Warwick is bringing £28.6 million of value in cultural enrichment a year to the local community through its Arts Centre and just through one strand of its student volunteering programme, working with primary schools to improve reading and allowing local children to meet international students from a variety of cultures.+
Hundreds of events will be taking place around the country to celebrate Universities Week (13-17 June). For more information on Universities Week, visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk and to show your support, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities.