University funding cuts 'will impact on quality of education'

Wed 30 Dec 2009

The government has been warned that reducing the amount of funding for universities could have a number of negative repercussions.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson recently announced that university funding in England would be cut by almost £400 million in 2010-11.

According to independent higher education guide Push.co.uk, this could affect the ability of higher education facilities to provide top quality education to students.

Johnny Rich, editor of the website, also warned that research work and academic studies carried out by universities may suffer as well.

This, he said, could lead to some institutions looking to make up the financial shortfall by raising tuition fees.

Mr Rich stated that this option would be considered because students are not in a position of "enormous power" and would therefore be the "easiest target to pick on".

The University and College Union has already criticised the government's decision, accusing it of losing its way when it comes to higher education.

General secretary Sally Hunt said it is unrealistic to believe that cuts of this scale will not lead to any consequences for universities.