Degree dilemma

This is an unfair and over-simplistic assertion as universities prepare for the new academic year. Most degree courses, particularly those in traditional subjects, provide the academic rigour that helps students fulfil their potential.

Yet they are also places where invaluable academic research is undertaken – and it is encouraging that Sheffield, York and Leeds Universities should be prospering in various league tables.

As global leaders, these institutions are not only providing a world-class education, but they are also making a material differences to society. This is welcome.

The challenge, on the day that it emerged that the UK sank a further 15.9bn into the red during August, is how these standards of excellence can be maintained at a time when students face the prospect of higher tuition fees, and universities prepare for significant budget cuts.

It is a conundrum that the coalition Government appears,

understandably, reluctant to tackle because the final decision is unlikely to be popular. Yet, as Ministers finalise the forthcoming spending review, it is important that the facts are considered in a mature manner – and little attention is paid to those sabre-rattlers who choose to denigrate students.

Why? The very reason that Yorkshire's universities have such a good reputation is because they have gifted academics who can combine their research undertakings with inspiring a new generation of students. And, while they should certainly be encouraged to seek new funding streams, it would be intellectually remiss of the Government if it took short-term decisions that damaged the country's long-term academic vitality.