Strategic Science Provision in English Universities: A Follow-up

HC 1011, Second Report of Session 2005-06, Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Science and Technology Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

The Committee's report, 'Strategic Science Provision in English Universities: A Follow-up (HC 1011)', focuses on the proposed changes to the provision for chemistry at the University of Sussex and the role of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in protecting strategically important and vulnerable subjects. This report follows on from a previous inquiry into the current provision of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in English universities and the impact of STEM departmental closures (HCP 220-I Session 2005-06, ISBN 0215024192, available below).

Conclusions drawn include that the situation at Sussex is symptomatic of a wider problem because current higher education policy is unable to deliver the Government's commitment to safeguard strategic provision of STEM subjects. The Government supports the concept of a market in higher education but it needs to recognise that there is a serious failure of the market to deliver in terms of STEM provision. Current initiatives about strategically important subjects are not sufficient, and failure to address this problem is likely to have significant consequences for future STEM provision and, ultimately, the future competitiveness of the UK.

Extent	51 pages	ISBN	9780215028624
Size	A4	Price	£12.00
Binding	Paperback	Published	04 May 2006
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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