Private providers are the subject of heated debate in the UK higher education sector. It's in this context that QAA (the Quality Assurance Agency for higher education) carried out 'educational oversight' reviews of 209 private colleges over the course of 2012. Overall, our review judged 86% of them to be providing a quality student experience, publishing honest and accurate information, and delivering courses that meet the academic standards laid down by their awarding organisations
A controversial new university, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, will open its doors in January 2015 – to students who can afford the annual £35,000 fees.
London Metropolitan University lost £2 million after a partnership with a private college collapsed, it has emerged, and as recently as last month was seeking more than £750,000 in a continuing dispute with the institution.
In a memorandum sent to higher education institutions for comment, Sweden’s Ministry of Education has proposed legislation that would grant universities and colleges legal autonomy from the government – by institutions becoming private foundations. Universities have endorsed the need for change, but responses to the legislation have been lukewarm.
One is a world-renowned American university. The other is a technical college in a Buckinghamshire town known for having lots of roundabouts. But now a cross-Atlantic David versus Goliath fight that pits Harvard University in Massachusetts against Havard School in Milton Keynes is being waged at the High Court in London, writes Sam Masters for The Independent.
First, there are now four private, non-state-funded institutions in the UK to have been granted university title, not one. The University of Buckingham and Regent's University London are not-for-profit charities that offer a broad portfolio of programmes, have strong international linkages and maintain a research profile. The University of Law and BPP University of Professional Studies have fewer degree students but offer first-rate professional training with real value for money. They are predominantly UK-focused but will undoubtedly increase their degree programmes and international reach.