Changing course

The amount of accepted students to QS-related courses has nearly doubled this decade and conversion courses for non-cognate courses have ballooned from 18 to 30 in the last three years (see pages 10-13). The universities we spoke to certainly seem to be listening to employer concerns over the training offered to undergraduates as well. One, Kingston University, is beefing up its measurement offering to students, which includes adding a new lecturer. Another, Sheffield Hallam University, regularly surveys the views of employers to learn the skills most required of graduates. There is much less of an Ivory Tower approach taken to preparing youngsters for a future career these days, with the motto used for students at Sheffield being “earning and learning”.

The universities and students do not cloud over present and future problems, however, not least impending fee hikes for courses. These could significantly slow the rise of the non-cognate QS, as students are unlikely to take on more financial burdens after an expensive first degree by taking a further postgraduate one. Hence an expectation from many of fundamental changes for tertiary education – universities are already seeing an increase in take up for part-time courses, where students can literally juggle learning with earning. What price school leavers, and employers, considering bypassing the tertiary education option entirely in the future and seeking the employment route immediately?

The final option is too extreme and ignores the good work and experience that twenty somethings can gain from a university experience. As long as the institutions themselves can continue close partnerships with employers and the RICS, the promising green shoots of recovery can hopefully continue.