The writer is vice-chancellor and president of King’s College LondonBritish universities are envied for their excellence and widely emulated around the world. After studying and working in five countries and four continents before returning to the UK to lead King’s College London, I have seen that for myself. This personal experience is confirmed by more objective measures: UK universities achieve the highest graduation rates in the world, and 17 British institutions make the top 100 of QS World University Rankings, second only to the US.
But the UK’s universities are trapped in a “triangle of sadness” between aspiring students who feel burdened with debt and uncertain prospects, a stretched government that has allowed tuition fees to fall far behind inflation, and beleaguered university staff. This pressure is increasing — a demographic bulge means over 100,000 more young Brits will be seeking a university education by 2030, when there is little space or incentive to accommodate them. It needs urgent attention.
The UK has opted for an undifferentiated university system, where nearly 150 institutions charge a uniform undergraduate fee and attempt to teach most subjects. A single regulatory body treats all universities — from the research-dominant world leaders to regional talent providers — in a single framework. It is neither a free-market system, nor a strategically managed one. Contrast this with California, with a gross domestic product the size of the UK and as many world-leading universities, but with a differentiated system of research institutions, teaching universities and community colleges. This range serves the economy and individuals rather well.
