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

First thoughts on Augar: plenty to discuss, but we must protect opportunity and choice

30 May 2019

Universities UK's Director of Policy Chris Hale takes a first look at the Augar review's long-awaited recommendations.

Universities must help secure a sustainable future for our planet

4 April 2019

The University of Edinburgh's Dave Gorman on the steps his institution is taking to reduce carbon emissions and make a sustainable and socially responsible contribution to the world.

News

Supporting universities must be a top priority for the next prime minister

11 June 2019

The next prime minister has a golden opportunity to deliver jobs, regional growth and improve life chances across the UK by working with universities.

Top-up guarantee needed from government if fees are cut, warns UUK

30 May 2019

Responding to the review of post-18 education and funding's publication, Universities UK is calling on the government and next prime minister to consider fully the potential consequences of the recommendations for students and our higher education sector.