Universities on the rocks: Sheffield, Leeds and York universities are the best in the world at finding the answers

Advanced robotics: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves saw for herself the pioneering expertise held at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) - it is just one example of the world class knowledge held inside the county walls which will stand our universities in good stead as they rebuild their business models for a new future. (photo, PA)

placeholder image — Advanced robotics: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves saw for herself the pioneering expertise held at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) - it is just one example of the world class knowledge held inside the county walls which will stand our universities in good stead as they rebuild their business models for a new future. (photo, PA)

There was once a time when university degrees were coveted prizes; both an acknowledgement of someone’s toil, dedication and commitment to learning whilst also representing the recognition of a graduate’s expertise in their chosen field. They were also once a reflection of someone’s class, status and wealth.

Over time, against a background hum of national introspection – why should only the rich go to university? – higher education institutions opened the gates to increasing numbers; diversifying courses and broadening intakes. Between 1997 and 2010, university student numbers increased by almost 70 per cent.

Then came the opening of the proverbial floodgates: the moment the then coalition government offered universities £9,000 a year for each and every student taken on on an unlimited basis. The higher education sector, fattened up like a festive goose, has never recovered from the impacts of this policy decision, neither in terms of attainment standards nor as going concerns.

Against that backdrop, the findings in a survey of more than 140 institutions carried out by Universities UK come as little surprise. The only surprising thing is the resistance of the unions to the reality of the repair job needed in order to restore the sector to an even keel.

Like any other business sector, innovative ways to drive efficiencies, capture synergies through mergers – and indeed closures – are not only inevitable but also opportunities to review operations and improve them. And with Yorkshire’s trio of Russell Group Universities – Leeds, Sheffield and York – the future is in safe hands. The county has a world class reputation for research, development and deployment into the real world – from neuroscience to gene therapy – this test will be passed with honours.