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

A-level results day and Clearing 2019: reasons to be cheerful

12 August 2019

As A-level results day approaches, UUK’s Daniel Wake looks at recent trends in university admissions, and provides some final information to applicants, who for the first time can choose to put themselves into ‘Clearing’.

Higher education policy priorities for the new prime minister

31 July 2019

UUK's Karmjit Kaur on how new Prime Minister Boris Johnson can can help maximise the role of universities for both his domestic and global ambitions.

News

UUK response to UCAS update on unconditional offer-making

30 July 2019

UUK response to UCAS update on unconditional offer-making

International students paying through the nose for woefully inadequate document-checking service

29 July 2019

Concern is rising at UK universities as Sopra Steria – the company contracted to check documents and enrol biometric information as part of visa applications – is unable to meet demand, with students in some parts waiting 30 days to get an appointment