Higher Education Advisers’ Conference9 July 2014

“All Change? What are the changes in the HE sector?”

To cover:• Policy context: changes in the HE

landscape• How are universities [like UOG]

responding

HE fees and funding• 2006: increase in fees to £3,000• Concern about impact on participation and access• 2008: start of economic recession• 2009: Browne review established• 2010: Browne report • Autumn 2012: implementation of fees at £9,000

HE as a competitive market• Presumption in favour of markets• Removal of caps on student numbers:

– 2012: AAB+– 2013: ABB+ – 2014: ABB+ and 30,000 extra places– 2015: removal of student number controls

• Encouragement of private providers, able to access SLC funding

• Publication of NSS, KIS and league tables• All driving competition in recruitment

Entry rates in 2013 for UK 18 year olds by region and county

Funding effects• Most universities went straight to £9,000• RAB charge rising from c33% to c45%?• Debate about:

– sustainability of student finance system– when will fees be allowed to rise– should the cap on fees be removed altogether– what will appear in manifestoes

• Prioritisation of STEM/research funding

How are universities responding?

Focus on teaching and learning• National Student Survey:

– Course teaching– Assessment and feedback– Academic support– Organisation and management– Learning resources– Personal development– Overall satisfaction

• Main driver of league tables (with research)• Cycle of analysis and response to annual NSS results• All focused on improving teaching and learning

We Stand For… giving students outstanding support to learn in a community which values them as individuals

• Our core purpose is helping our students to learn• Our staff are passionate, expert and enthusiastic about their subjects• More of our staff are recognised for their professional skill and

excellence as teachers than elsewhere• Our size allows more personal relationships between staff and students,

with a strong sense of belonging and community, and staff who are approachable and available to help

• Through our personal tutors, we provide individual support and guidance for our students

• We have a tradition of innovative, high-quality teaching• We offer more contact time and small group sizes than elsewhere

Learning and

Teaching Strategy

Academic Portfolio Review

Curriculum Framework

Review

Research Strategy

Reflection on Academic and Professional Practice

Estates developments

What we stand for at the University of Gloucestershire:

• Giving students outstanding support to learn in a community which values them as individuals

• A breadth and richness of experience which prepares students for rewarding lives and successful careers

Employment indicator for full time first degree leavers

Unemployment rates, all leavers

Not just employability - personal development and growth• Digital literacy, information literacy, and study skills all within

Enhanced Student year• Success of sports teams (All Golds, Women’s Futsal etc),

with opportunities for coaching and outreach• JOLT and new festival of theatre in Gloucester• SU Fifty Shades of Green programme• Festival Fortnight to celebrate every form of achievement

Our promise to students – to guarantee them support

to create their own personal Future Plan.

So in summary• Cost is higher and clearer• Recruitment is more competitive• Lots of information available on Unistats, websites, league

tables• Applicants should:

– Go to open and applicant days– Ask about the teaching– Ask about graduate prospects– Ask about the whole experience

…and ask “what is right for me?”

Higher Education Advisers’ Conference9 July 2014