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August 2024 - Education

UK universities valued more than institutions like parliament and BBC, finds survey: A recent poll by the Policy Institute at Kings College London reveals that the British public values UK universities more highly than the legal system or the BBC.

The Policy Institute at Kings College London surveyed 2,600 adults to learn about their attitudes towards higher education and found that nearly a third, ranked universities ahead of other key organisations in a league table of institutions considered to be among the best in the world.

Out of the 13 key UK institutions respondents were asked to rank, only three were more likely than universities (30%) to be considered among the best in the world compared to similar organizations or institutions in other countries; these were the NHS (45%), the armed forces (37%), and the Royal Family (34%). Universities outperformed the BBC (26%), the police (19%), the legal system (17%), as well as parliament (7%). The research also shows satisfaction with how universities are fulfilling their role in society has doubled since 1991, in contrast to parliament, which has declined by around 20% during the same period.

But that doesn’t mean universities have it all their way with 41% of those surveyed believing universities prioritise making money over education and research and 35% strongly agreeing that while the top universities are the best in the world many others deliver poor quality education or research. 

Regardless of such positive perceptions overall, only one in five (21%) are aware of the serious funding pressures and threats of closure many universities face with the research suggesting the public is least likely to identify universities as facing these threats when compared to institutions like the NHS, the police, GPs, and schools.

Prof Bobby Duffy (the director of King’s College London’s policy institute, observes: “Everyone thinks their own sector gets the worst press, and many working in universities will certainly feel they’ve faced tough times recently – but the public don’t seem to be paying much attention. If anything, their views are much more positive than we might expect.”

Our Education lead, Research Director, Sharon Nichols shares her thoughts on the findings: "Although the research showed positive perceptions of the sector, many are unaware of the funding pressures that are building.  The last few years have seen unprecedented pressures for universities with many having to make cuts to courses and staff levels as financial pressures continue to bite.  The next few weeks will be crucial as Universities seek to finalise student numbers.  Those that underperform will have added pressures and there will be lots of debates over the next few months about what might happen if a University goes bust."

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