Universities UK policy research and analysis

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Brexit and UK universities

We are working with our members, the university sector and government on the implications for universities and students of the UK's vote to leave the EU.

Inclusion, equality and diversity

We support and promote life-changing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds at every university.

Immigration

We want to see an immigration system that helps universities to attract international students and highly skilled staff to study and work in the UK.

Innovation, growth and skills

Universities are vital in supporting business and communities, promoting local and national economic growth and innovation, and supplying highly skilled and employable graduates.

Regulation of higher education

Effective regulation is essential to provide accountability for public funds, protect the interests of students and safeguard the reputation of UK higher education.

Student experience

The UK’s universities want to provide students with a world-class education so that they can achieve their full potential.

Funding

A sustainable funding environment is essential for universities.

Efficiency and value for money

Universities across the UK are committed to delivering value for money for students, for government and for the wider public.

Research policy

Our universities lead the world in science and research, but government must invest more if we are to maximise the benefits to the economy, society and people's everyday lives.

Professional education

Universities are committed to the renewal of the teaching profession through provision of excellent training programmes which produce the teachers our education system needs.

Health

Universities train and educate the healthcare workforce and carry out research which improves the health of the nation and drives growth.

Universities and counter-terrorism

Universities have a role to play in the prevention of terrorism and violent extremism. But they must also be allowed to balance this against their duty to promote freedom of speech within the law.

Pensions

We represent higher education employers in discussions on the future of the USS and are working to make the scheme sustainable while offering the very best pensions that can be afforded.

Internationalisation

We want to support the development of UK universities’ influence on the world stage, and ensure that the UK higher education sector remains competitive by international standards.

Blog

BME attainment: why universities must do more than 'mind the gap'

13 November 2018

Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of West England, Bristol, on the initiatives his institution is running to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for BME students in the UK.

Graduates in demand, but skills must match up with jobs

7 November 2018

With regular debates about the value of degrees and whether graduates have the right skills, Greg Wade considers the evidence from employers on graduate recruitment and their actual skills needs.

News

British public proud of the UK's Universities, new poll reveals

15 November 2018

New research from BritainThinks shows the public feel positively towards UK universities by five-to-one – and people overwhelmingly say they would send their children to university given the chance.

Education system must change to support flexible study

26 October 2018

Shorter and more flexible courses could encourage more people of all ages to improve their skills and life chances at university. This is one of the main findings of a project set up by Universities UK (UUK) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)