Russell Group universities - delivering skills for future growth

20 April 2023

A new report by the Russell Group, which represents 24 leading UK universities, has highlighted how learning in an innovative, high-quality, research intensive environment is giving students the skills they need to succeed and help grow the UK economy.

Education and Skills for Growth, which was published today (20 April), showcases how Russell Group universities work with local, national and international partners to ensure their courses are responding to the changing needs of the economy, employers and skills gaps in their local regions.

The report covers four broad themes looking at how Russell Group universities are delivering high-quality education and skills:

1. Delivering education accessible to all – As well as programmes to improve access to university and support students throughout their study, Russell Group universities are developing new types of provision to support lifelong and flexible learning. Alongside other academic, technical and vocational qualifications, seventeen Russell Group universities already delivering advanced and higher degree apprenticeships.
2. Specialising in research-intensive education – The world leading research and innovation nurtured at Russell Group universities means students on our courses directly benefit by being taught by world-leading researchers, using state-of-the art facilities and undertaking their own research.
3. Addressing skills gaps to deliver economic growth – Russell Group universities are working with employers to identify, anticipate and address local and national skills gaps including data, digital and environmental sustainability. A single cohort of UK-domiciled students at Russell Group universities is estimated to contribute more than £20 billion to the economy over the course of their working lives.
4. Creating a supportive environment for students – Students at Russell Group universities benefit from a range of support as they transition from post-16 education into degree-level study. This helps them to learn to be independent and thrive in new, challenging environments, as well as supporting academic attainment and wider educational outcomes. Alongside this, our members are increasing investment in hardship funds, student support and mental health services.

Commenting, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group said:

“Our universities are delivering excellent outcomes for students across a range of technical, vocational and academic disciplines, with teaching from world-leading experts in their fields. By equipping graduates to succeed in high-value sectors, our universities play a critical role in driving economic growth.

“But as the needs of employers evolve, so too must the education provided by universities to ensure students gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in a modern workplace. This is more crucial than ever as the UK’s workforce undergoes a fundamental transformation driven by global competition, rapidly accelerating automation and technological advances.

“Our vision for the future of education is ambitious: we will create academically stretching courses informed by the latest research and expertise, with increasingly flexible learning opportunities that meet the needs of graduates, employers and the wider economy.”

To read the full report, click the link below.

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