‘We must consider picking which degree courses we support’
Tuesday 14th October 2008, 11:30AM BST.
EDUCATION should consider picking which degree courses it funds, according to Deputy Peter Gillson. The St Sampson’s poll-topper said that being selective would save the department money.
Last month saw the States rule out student loans until the start of the 2012 academic year. Deputy Gillson (pictured) feels that in the climate of limited States finances, Education might not have sufficient money to fund the number of students who wish to go to university.
During last month’s debate he raised the possibility of not funding every degree and has reiterated the need for the change in policy to be looked into.
‘Education has been tasked with investigating funding options further and they may revert with some form of student contributions. I am not philosophically opposed to the concept. In addition, the magnitude of the total funding needed will, obviously, depend on the underlying policy which the department is implementing.
‘The existing policy is basically to allow any number to study any degree course. The Education Department should not only look at funding options but also at this policy to see if any changes to it could affect the total funding needed without disadvantaging any student.’
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Island Life
All about Guernsey
Ambassador of the Year 2011
History & Heritage
Visitor Information
Guernsey's government
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Useful Links
This is what they should have done circa 1993.
Report abuse
Gillson is quite correct in saying that the current scheme of funding any degree needs revising.
Perhaps only funding degrees that will benefit the island is a basis for discussion.
Report abuse
“Perhaps only funding degrees that will benefit the island is a basis for discussion”. It would be a basis, but then the whole concept of what is a “benefit” would have to be carefully thought through. Are we thinking purely in terms of the primary industry – finance? If so, there is a huge range of degree courses which could lead to benefit – obvious ones like accountancy, but then there are IT specialities, PR, marketing, client care etc within finance. And then we look to the industries which support finance, such as law, and then to the concept of needing to diversify Guernsey’s economy which requires entrepreneurs with a range of skills.
I can’t think of many degree courses which couldn’t potentially benefit Guernsey, whether directly in terms of teacher training and accountancy, or indirectly in terms of people who may study a subject like computer game design, and return to the island to set up new business.
There must be a better way of managing the budget than having a list of those degrees that Guernsey would support…
Report abuse
mmmm in this time of turmoil, and the need for regeneration in the local economy, how many employers will be seeking out graduates (sic) with degrees in Media Studies to fill their posts?
Mr Gilson’s proposal may actually give some credibility back to the education system, which to say has been ‘dumbed down’ is a gross under statement.
Report abuse