Is the Idea of a University Dead?
David Willetts MP, Universities Minister, gives Politeia's New Year Address
Across the world British Universities have been applauded for their tradition of learning and scholarship, for freedom and open intellectual enquiry and for excellence in the humanities and pioneering research in the sciences. Today, British universities attract students from around the world for undergraduate courses as well as post-graduate training and research.
But there are fears that the UK universities are under threat. Costs are rising at a time when the levels of available public funds are shrinking. Over the past decades increasing central control has undermined freedom and official standardization has threatened excellence. Meanwhile, rival institutions worldwide attract able scholars and students from the UK.
Is the idea of a university as it has developed over generations in this country, now dead? On 19th January David Willetts will speak on the future of UK universities in the 21st century.
Mr Willetts' address, The Idea of a University: Scholarship, freedom and excellence in the 21st century (working title), will focus on some of the following questions:
How far do the ideals which shaped the UK’s universities remain? How can government policy support such ideals?
How can UK universities best compete at home and globally to excel?
How can the best British institutions continue to command a lead in the world of scholarship - disproportionate to the UK’s size - at a time of financial stringency.
How can UK universities meet and shape the aspirations of future generations?
What role should government play in the affairs of UK universities?
Places at this event are limited and it is therefore essential that you book your place in advance if you would like to attend. To reserve your place, please send an email to secretary2@politeia.co.uk.
This event is kindly sponsored by BPP Univeristy College.
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