Vice-chancellors or senior representatives from Wales’ nine universities are to appear before MPs in a one-off session examining the current financial and other challenges faced by the higher education sector.
The Welsh Affairs Committee hearing next month will explore the steps the UK Government could take with the universities and the Welsh Government to ensure a sustainable future for the sector, following announcements at the start of the year of planned job losses and course cuts at universities in Wales.
In January Cardiff University outlined proposals to cut 400 staff and scrap some departments amid a funding shortfall. The university has been consulting on the plans and the number has now been reduced to 286. A final decision on proposals is due to be outlined shortly before the Committee’s session. University of Wales Trinity Saint David also announced plans in January to end undergraduate teaching at its Lampeter campus.
The session will have a particular focus on the role of the UK Government in supporting universities, with research funding and immigration policy affecting international student numbers, among aspects of non-devolved policy impacting higher education.
Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said:
“Universities are not just important places of learning and employment for so many students and staff, but are at the heart of communities up and down Wales. Their future health is crucial. The proposals announced by Cardiff University earlier this year brought into sharp focus the challenges the sector is grappling with and our session will be a chance to explore whether the UK Government and others can do more to help them and universities across Wales secure a sustainable future.”
The session will take place on Wednesday 25 June.
The following universities have been invited to attend:
- Aberystwyth University
- Bangor University
- Cardiff University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Open University in Wales
- University of South Wales
- Swansea University
- University of Wales Trinity St David
- Wrexham University
