Higher education priorities

Former Member

Charles Clarke has said that the 50% higher ed target may have to be downgraded and that the priority is equality of oppurtunity rather then the largest numbers possible.

Do you agree?

Do you think that having 50% graduates is necessary or desirable for the prosperity of Britain?

Former Member

The more the better. And if someone can't graduate from University, they should learn some technical skill or a trade.

Former Member

Fifty percent is admirable and a better educated population would lead to greater prosperity.

Nonetheless, should EVERYBODY go to university? Vocations still exist which require no uni education. I agree with Clarke though. I believe all should have the same opportunity to go to university.

Former Member

I believe that equality of opportunity is more desirable that higher numbers of people attending univeristy.

If the majority of people attended university and obtained a degree then the value of a degree would be eroded even further.

Former Member

Originally posted by BumbleBee
I believe that equality of opportunity is more desirable that higher numbers of people attending univeristy.

If the majority of people attended university and obtained a degree then the value of a degree would be eroded even further.

Yes.
Should I graduate, I'll end up with a BSc (Hons), but will probably need an MSc to be competetive...and that's now, let alone with 50% of people with a degree of some kind.

Former Member

50% in higher education -- fine. 50% to university -- heck, no! The whole purpose of universities is to be academically elite.

(Anyone considering criticising my point of view should first note the use of the modified term academically elite.)

Former Member

Originally posted by MacKenZie
50% in higher education -- fine. 50% to university -- heck, no! The whole purpose of universities is to be academically elite.

But most higher education institutions these days ARE universities.

OK yes, some unis have more prestige than others (you wouldn't say that attending the University of East London was as prestigious as going to UCL, would you? ).

Former Member

Originally posted by meritlib


But most higher education institutions these days ARE universities.

University Colleges...

Personally I find this a difficult issue. I'd like to think that we will improve the academic base of this country. Unfortunately all we seem to achieve is a devaluing of the qualifications that people achieve.

Now tell me, what is wrong with apprenticeships?