Free Essay: Challenges Facing Universities in UK
Universities in the UK are some of the best institutions across the globe. This is because of their excellence in educational provision and quality research. The universities also play a crucial role in ensuring that the employment sector is filled with competent individuals. This in turn has ensured that the UK achieves a sustainable economic growth.
UK universities utilize a mass of talent and quality infrastructure to enhance growth of economy in the country. Even so, the learning institutions are faced with a number of challenges including:
Increased costs of learning
Over the recent past, UK universities have witnessed sever pressures in the costs of learning. They face challenges due to increased charges for teaching and research activities. Additionally, the universities require good investment to maintain the best and world class learning experience.
Even though research intensive universities in the UK are coping with the pressures, many others that are not research intensive still face the challenge. This is largely attributed to the fact that learning institutions have to embrace advanced technologies in an increasingly growing digital world.
The nature of learning and research in universities are also changing with the need for more sophisticated equipment being of utmost importance.
Global competition
UK universities are also facing increased global competition challenge. Higher institutions of learning across the globe are prioritizing quality education and research. This is aimed at creating a more
- Skilled workforce
- Strengthening economic competitiveness and
- Stimulating socio economic mobility
These are some of the goals that many universities in the UK have not achieved. As a matter of fact, the UK is producing less academic papers compared to other G8 countries including China and the US. Its publications have drastically reduced from the year 1999.
Investing selectively in institutions of higher learning
The UK is also investing selectively in institutions of higher learning and it affects higher education. The UK has witnessed significant reduction in the amount it invests in its universities. By the year 2010, the UK was already losing its competitive edge internationally. As a result, UK universities have been struggling hard to maintain their position globally.
The universities have also been trying to work on the remaining chance to compete with the world’s finest institutions of higher learning. Even so, it is essential to note that there has been and there is funding shortfall in the UK. The cuts in national funding kick in and before the universities can really pick up; an effect will be felt in the country’s economy.
Lack of diversity especially in the recent past
Over the past years, the higher education system of the UK has faced a lot of criticism for lack of diversity. It is believed the UK universities embrace homogeneity as opposed to diversity. This poses a great risk in the institutions ranking as well as the country’s economy.
It is essential to note that the demands and needs of potential employers change over time. They are looking for graduates with a wide range of skills. Therefore, there is urgent need for the UK to restructure its higher education system. This will help to ensure that the universities compete effectively globally.
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Online sources:
http://pearsonblueskies.com/2011/the-challenges-facing-the-uks-world-class-universities-and-the-importance-of-diversity/
http://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/russell-group-latest-news/121-2010/4275-david-willetts-comments-on-challenges-facing-universities/
http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2012/feb/09/challenges-for-higher-education