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

"Sorry everyone, but we need to talk about Brexit."

12 February 2019

Universities UK International Director Vivienne Stern on the conversations the sector is having as we head towards the Brexit denouement.

University disciplinary processes under the microscope

8 February 2019

Ian Hynes, CEO of Intersol Global, discusses steps universities can take to improve their disciplinary processes.

News

Universities UK calls for salary cap to be set at £21k to protect key higher education workers

12 February 2019

Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International, has today (Tuesday 12 February) called on the government to lower the proposed salary requirement for EEA workers to gain a high-skilled work visa; to £21,000.

Universities UK launches #SupportStudyAbroad campaign to protect study abroad in case of no-deal Brexit

6 February 2019

Universities UK has launched a national #SupportStudyAbroad campaign asking the UK government to commit to continue funding study abroad opportunities for UK students, even if the UK cannot negotiate continued participation in the Erasmus+ programme.