Investment in universities needed, says UCU, as UK disappoints in university world rankings

The rankings clearly show that investment in higher education produces world-class universities capable of attracting the best students and academics. China, South Korea and Canada, which invest significantly in higher education as an economic driver, all scored highly.
 
The union said the change in methodology this year to move away from reputation and heritage and give more weight to hard measures of excellence in research, teaching and knowledge transfer should focus the minds of both ministers and universities as they consider the role they want UK universities to play on the global stage.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The Times Higher Education World Rankings support the case for strong and sustained investment in our universities. The simple truth is that countries investing in higher education are being rewarded and they will be the key players in the global knowledge economy.
 
'The UK has been punching above its weight and trading on its richly-deserved reputation for excellence. However, reputation alone will not be enough to compete with countries who enjoy the investment we so desperately need. Ahead of the forthcoming spending review, ministers need to think long and hard about the country's priorities and our role on the global stage.'

Times Higher Education: World University Rankings