University – it’s worth it

MP David Willetts has joined members of the University Alliance Group, of which Professor Graham Henderson CBE is a member, to launch a national campaign showing the value of going to University.

University Alliance, a group of leading business-engaged universities which includes Teesside, is launching More than a degree: stories from empowered students, to highlight the value of going to university, both for the individual and for the economy.

Teesside student Paul Johnson is the general manager of Western Saab in Newcastle. He has been studying a foundation degree in leadership and management at Teesside University in Darlington.

‘Even from a very early stage of the course I was able to begin to make positive changes to my business by putting the lessons I had learned into practice. This is a very useful course to me, my colleagues and the business.’

Recognising the importance of the investment being made by students, now and even more in the future, all 23 Alliance universities have signed up to a vision as part of the campaign explaining how what they offer is so much more than just a degree.

Libby Hackett, Director of the University Alliance says: ‘At this critical moment when many young people are considering their future, misunderstanding the student finance system is becoming a real barrier. It is important for universities to better explain the value of going to university and getting access to the best jobs, especially now that successful graduates are going to have to contribute more towards the cost of their degrees. That is why all 23 Alliance universities have today signed up to Our vision: more than just a degree.’

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