Nothing ‘low value’ about a university degree

In his regular column for Wokingham Today, Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort has responded to the Government’s announcement that it plans to “crack down” on what it describes as “rip-off” degree programmes with a reminder of what a rich experience time spent at university can offer.

He says that good outcomes matter to students and the country at large, but that “with its critical language aimed solely at the benefits of going to university for the economy, this latest Government announcement devalues the broader value of a university education”.

The full text of the column is below.

Nothing ‘low value’ about a university degree

The University’s Great Hall was a hive of activity, excitement and pride last month as we conferred degrees to thousands of new graduates.

It is always one of my greatest privileges as Vice-Chancellor to be a part of these ceremonies, and share in the joy with Reading graduates, their families and supporters.

As we, like so many universities across the country, see this new cohort ready to take their next step and make their mark in the world, the Government has announced plans to ‘crack down’ on what it describes as ‘rip-off’ taught programmes in English universities.

Career and earning prospects matter to students, and to universities too. However, I fear that this betrays a single-minded view of what universities offer to students and to the country.

Reading graduates tend to go on to have successful careers, with 87% of those in full-time work in professional or managerial roles soon after graduation. But a university education is about more than just the immediate outcomes. It offers hope for the future and the promise of a life transformed by knowledge, research, and a great deal of hard graft.

Universities also offer an unmatched experience. When students enrol at Reading, they not only embark on a programme of study but also encounter new perspectives and ideas, gain skills and independence, and benefit from placements, clubs, societies and other opportunities. They join a Reading community that has a lifetime membership.

In the exceptional cases where things fall short, it is right that the regulator should be able to intervene in the interests of students and to protect taxpayers’ investment.

But with its critical language aimed solely at the benefits of going to university for the economy, this latest Government announcement devalues the broader value of a university education.

While the Government has stopped short of identifying any particular degree as ‘low value’, industry body Creative UK has warned that the plans will restrict access to meaningful education in the creative arts, when there is already a skills shortage in a growth industry.

Undervaluing these subjects can lead to underinvestment, and we do this at our peril. The multi-million-pound backing the Government has given to the Shinfield Studios development at the University of Reading-owned Thames Valley Science Park is testament to the ongoing importance of the creative industries and the stimulating and well-paid job prospects they provide.

Arts and humanities graduates from the University of Reading are a glittering firmament of inspirational people. They include those who have gone on to become star writers, journalists, filmmakers, artists and musicians – as well as entrepreneurs, professionals, and even a few Members of Parliament. I say that as a history graduate myself!

Art can be what makes lives worth living, and arts and humanities degrees can provide the foundation for an array of careers – and a fantastic life at university, and beyond.