Lords question university chiefs on the EU contribution to modernising higher education
19 January 2012
Representatives from four university organisations will give evidence to the Lords Consumer Protection and Social Policies EU Sub-Committee on Thursday 19 January, as part of their inquiry into how the EU can contribute to boosting mobility, providing funding for and promoting best practice across Europe’s higher education sector.
- Parliament TV: Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: The EU Contribution
- Inquiry: Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: The EU Contribution
Witnesses
At 10am, Thursday 19 January, Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster
- Dr Jennifer Barnes, President of Murray Edwards College and Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Strategy, University of Cambridge on behalf of the Russell Group
- Professor Tony Downes, Acting Vic-Chancellor, University of Reading and Chair, Strategic Planning and Resource Policy Group, the 1994 Group
- Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bedfordshire and Chair, million+
- Professor Graham Galbraith, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Hertfordshire, on behalf of the University Alliance
The witnesses will be asked questions on a number of issues including:
- whether a greater proportion of the EU budget should be allocated to research, education and innovation;
- how European universities can retain their competitive edge;
- what effect higher tuition fees in England and the increased provision of cheaper courses in English by Continental universities may have on the mobility of students in and out of the UK;
- if they welcome the Commission’s proposal for a European Masters level student loan guarantee facility; and
- whether the Government could play a stronger role in providing British universities with guidance and support to increase their participation in the various EU funding programmes.