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.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

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

How we communicate student finance needs a rethink

16 December 2019

NEON's Graeme Atherton explains why the cost of higher education needs to be communicated to students more effectively.

General election 2019: what the parties say on higher education

27 November 2019

UUK's Karmjit Kaur takes a look at the policy commitments on higher education in party manifestos ahead of the general election.

News

Dates confirmed for joint talks on future of USS pension scheme

8 January 2020

Five dates in January have been confirmed for senior stakeholders to meet and discuss reform to the USS pension scheme.

Joint talks on future of USS pension scheme announced

23 December 2019

Discussions will take place at the start of the new year to agree the approach for progressing the JEP’s recommendations in relation to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).