The Degree Debate

Universities like Southampton Solent are set to increase tuition fees

The recent increase in tuition fees and unemployment rate for new graduates in the UK has left prospective university students questioning the value of a degree in contemporary society.

Degrees have proved to be a controversial subject matter recently, particularly with the large increase in tuition fees and it seems everyone has a viewpoint on the topic.

Liz George, a Careers Advisor at Southampton Solent University said: “As a careers advisor I value higher education for the university learning and experience and access to a better future. It is the whole university life and experience that can benefit a student.” She added: “Employers are still looking to recruit graduates into their management and training schemes and in some instances the number of positions is rising even in the tough economic climate.”



Libraries could soon look like this



On average, those with a degree earn £100,000 more during their working lifetime than non-graduates. Liz said: “Evidence from longitudinal surveys shows that after 14 months plus of graduating, graduates are more likely to be in a graduate level job and in the career of their choice.”

Students are not expected to fund their entire degree themselves. A significant amount of financial support is available to support students, including maintenance grants from the government and bursaries and scholarships from universities which are non-repayable. The amount a student receives depends on their household income, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to further their education. Graduates are not required to pay back their student loan until they are in paid employment and earning over £15,000 per year.

Students may find themselves borrowing

 more money from banks

However, the new fees that come into force in the academic year of 2012/2013 mean that universities will be able to charge up to £9,000 per year for courses. The Higher Education Funding Council currently makes a contribution towards a student’s tuition fees and the student pays the rest using a loan. However the Government has now decided that students will now have to fund their entire degree themselves, meaning that tuition fees increase.

This has caused outrage for many, especially students, demonstrated in the recent student protests. Ebonee Harrison, aged 20, studying Sociology with Psychology at Portsmouth University said: “I think the tuition fee increase is very unfair and unnecessary. Students already struggle with the cost of tuition so an increase doesn’t really give people any incentive to go to university knowing the lack of jobs, debt and struggle they will face afterwards.”

Last year the unemployment rate for new graduates was 20%, which was the highest rate in over a decade. However this is mainly due to the recession, as unemployment rates not only rose for new graduates, but also for the UK population as a whole.

There are currently two million higher education students in the UK, suggesting that higher education is very much considered important by many. Despite the latest rise in tuition fees and the current unemployment rate for recent university leavers, a degree is still an extremely valuable qualification and remains a worthwhile investment, improving graduates career prospects and earning potential.

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