The BIS Postgraduate Review

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Hello all,

Students' Unions around the country have been sent this important message by Aaron Porter, the NUS Vice-President (Higher Education):

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"The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has now launched its Postgraduate Review, which was announced by Lord Mandelson in July.

The review will be chaired by Professor Adrian Smith, Director General of Science and Research at BIS.

The review’s principal areas of investigation will be:

• to assess the competitiveness of UK institutions in the global market for postgraduate education.
• to assess the benefits of postgraduate study for all relevant stakeholders.
• to assess the evidence about the needs of business and other employers for postgraduates.
• and to examine levels of participation, in terms of who undertakes postgraduate study, and whether there are barriers affecting the diversity of participation and any associated reduction in the availability of high-quality entrants.

During the course of the current review Prof Smith will be supported by a number of external advisers from the university and business worlds. They are:

• Professor Keith Burnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield
• Dr David Docherty, Chief Executive of the Council for Industry and Higher Education
• Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Plymouth
• Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation, CBI
• Professor Sarah Worthington, Pro Director for Research and External Relations, London School of Economics.

The review is initially seeking perspectives on the key areas of postgraduate provision that should be considered.

Do take this opportunity to have a say at:http://www.bis.gov.uk/postgraduate-review.

Or email: postgraduatereview@bis.gsi.gov.uk.

I will ensure that Students' Unions are kept informed of progress during the review.

Best wishes,

Aaron

Aaron Porter
Vice President (Higher Education)
National Union of Students (NUS)"

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If there are any further areas of postgraduate study that you would like reviewed then please use the appropriate links and have your say.

I am always skeptical about 'reviews' of this kind, especially when there is no student representation on the review group. The 'needs of business and other employers' is apparently more important than the experience of postgraduates themselves. And what about postgraduates who return to University solely for the joy of education?

Aaron will keep us posted and I'll keep you posted. Watch this space.
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