Following Lord
Mandelson’s announcement of a postgraduate review in July, the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has issued a call
for evidence from all those with an interest in this important topic.
The Review, headed by Professor Adrian Smith, will consider the
benefits of postgraduate study to the economy and the UK as a
whole, as well as other wide-ranging issues including research
competitiveness and the UK’s international position.
Professor Adrian Smith will be supported throughout the review by
advisors from business and higher education:
Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation,
CBIProfessor Keith Burnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of
SheffieldDr David Docherty, Chief Executive of the Council for
Industry and Higher EducationProfessor Wendy Purcell, Vice
Chancellor of the University of PlymouthProfessor Sarah
Worthington, Pro Director for Research and External Relations,
London School of Economic
David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, said:
“I’m very pleased such a range of experienced and well respected
figures have come together to support Professor Smith throughout
this important review.
“In order to remain world-leading and to reap the greatest
benefits of postgraduate study we must examine and respond to the
concerns of universities, the business community and students
themselves. I look forward to receiving the Review’s
recommendations early next year.”
The review's principal areas of investigation will be:
to assess the competitiveness of UK institutions in the global
market for postgraduate educationto assess the benefits of
postgraduate study for all relevant stakeholdersto assess the
evidence about the needs of business and other employers for
postgraduatesand 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
The Review is due to report back by Spring 2010, and will look at
both the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, including
the diverse way services are provided across the sector.
Notes for editors
During a speech at Birkbeck University on the 27July Lord
Mandelson announced a review of postgraduate provision in the UK,
to be led by Professor Smith.A well-respected figure the HE world,
Professor Smith is a mathematician who has held a number of senior
positions, most recently as Principal of Queen Mary College in
London, and who has previously provided valuable educational
advice to Government, notably in his 2004 review “Making
Mathematics Count”.The review is due to report back to Ministers
by Spring 2010.Evidence can be submitted via
www.bis.gov.uk/pgreview or emailed to
postgraduatereview@bis.gsi.gov.uk.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Sophie Benger
Phone: 020 7215 5979
Sophie.Benger@bis.gsi.gov.uk