NEWS - HE NEWS

1994 Group warns of dangers of unfunded expansion in response to UCAS figures

Issued on 08 February 2010

Responding to today’s UCAS announcement Paul Marshall, Executive Director of the 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities said:

“We welcome today's UCAS figures showing a record rise in the number of applicants to universities. Students clearly recognise the significant benefits of a university education and these figures show our efforts to encourage participation in Higher Education are working well."

“However, the Government’s response to this record demand must not be further unfunded expansion. If students are to receive the very best university experience maintaining quality is paramount. With universities already having to cope with significant funding cuts, unfunded expansion could leave universities unable to ensure the high quality experience that students rightly demand. Any further expansion must be fully funded.”

“What universities need most of all is a clear, long-term Government strategy for managing this demand coupled with a stable and sustainable funding environment. Despite the pressures on Government finances this is the right time to invest in Higher Education. A larger proportion of the workforce qualified to a higher level will give the economy and the nation a boost just when it needs it the most."

Notes to Editors

1. On the 8th of February 2010 (today) UCAS announced the record applications to higher education for the fourth year running. Full details are at www.ucas.com
2. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK's leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching.
3. In 17 major subject areas 1994 Group universities are the UK leaders achieving 1st place in their field (THE RAE subject rankings 2008). 57% of the 1994 Group's research is rated 4* 'world-leading' or 3* 'internationally excellent' (RAE 2008, HEFCE). 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009.
4. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York.