Once again the headlines are filled with news about tuition fees, the value of degrees and the thorny issue of university funding.
47 out of 123 universities - or approximately one in three – have been approved to charge £9,000 per year in tuition fees by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA). As such, many would-be graduates have to consider the fact that the average student will come out of university with nearly £50,000 of debt when living costs are taking into account.
Yet, in spite of this news and the increasing costs, most school leavers are still being encouraged to consider university. This ethos has in the past guided students who may have benefitted from going straight into work or improving their knowledge via professional study away from these potential avenues.
This is very much a hangover from the New Labour years, when the government aimed to get 50 per cent of school leavers into university.
We are very much of the opinion that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. While undoubtedly it is an excellent way to gain knowledge and skills, the simple fact remains that university isn’t for everyone.
While academic study focused on acquiring theoretical knowledge, professional courses teach practical skills that have a real benefit in the workplace. As a result, many employers are now questioning the value of degrees, preferring instead employ those with industry-specific experience and skills.
We recommend that students seriously consider all the options available when planning their next move after school. After all you are the master of your own destiny!