Should University fees reflect Vocational Utility?

The fees hike imposed by the Tory government in their first year in power has been one of the most controversial reflections of the failings in the UK democratic system. Turning their back on pre election pledges the Liberal Democrats sold off a huge amount of their voter base, and are unlikely to perform well in the forthcoming election. But how do fees impact ordinary people? Both through the tax money afforded to the exchequer and the huge debt placed upon individuals, Cameron's neoliberal philosophy for further education is proving to be wrong in so many ways.

The restructuring of the student loan system and fee repayment was intended as part of Cameron's austerity measures to 'cut the deficit' and balance the books, however the huge debt placed on those taking less prestigious courses has ultimately not been repayed to the exchequer and as such the government lose out on more than under the previous system. Since implementation
of the new system the percentage of loan money written off due to non payment has risen by over 20%. More than half of the monies loaned is not being collected due to the lack of real value gained by many courses, as graduates fail to earn enough to repay based on the lending agreement.

So what is the solution? Vocational utility with regards to degree courses offer an alternative which tailors the education system more successfully to the job market. It is a simple projection to say that much of the money lost by the exchequer in write offs is lost from less prestigious courses which do not have adequate vocational utility. For instance, computer science related courses had a 10% unemployment rate in the last statistics released, based on this estimation, the courses which have a clear low employment rate and graduate earning potential could be charged more in tuition, in order to dissuade people from taking on these courses: whereas courses such as law and education, which have a very high employment rate, could be charged less in fees.

This would push exceptional students into courses which benefit the jobs market as we have exceptional people in competitive arenas. It would also serve to weaken the philosophy introduced by New Labour that University is the best option for the majority of students. Many courses introduced in the last 15 years do not reflect value in the jobs market particularly with the need for tuition induced debt. A tuition system better tailored to the changing job market in the UK would offer high performers a better deal, intelligent students who make good decisions about future markets better vocational utility and would make those who University may not be the best option for look more at other options. We need a system which educates people that University is an option amongst many, not the option over all others.

Do you agree? Leave your comments below.

Sunshine on Leith: Scottish Independence and a revitalised left.

As we approach the referendum on Scottish independence in September 2014, many have argued the practicalities of an independent Scotland, with the major parties in Westminster claiming that they would deny Scotland the pound in an attempt to scare off voters worried about Scotland's economic stability were they to 'go it alone'. These practicalities have been defended and argued by Scottish politicians, calling Westminster's bluff on whether it would devalue the pound by ejecting Scotland in such a manner, but it is not the practicality of freedom Scotland should worry about.

The wealth of benefits Scotland would take from independence are varied and important. Becoming a non-nuclear state, joining the majority of the rest of the world and in realist terms, decreasing the risk to itself from outside powers as it steps back from international politics to focus on development at home is one, it's ability to cultivate Scottish resources for the benefit of Scots and to develop its own relationships with the rest of Europe are others. Most importantly however, the electoral makeup of the Scottish Parliament sees 55% of MSPs coming from the 'left' of the m
ain parties in Westminster (SNP and the Green Party). With only 15 members from the far right conservatives. Whilst the SNP and Labour wouldn't be described as 'real' lefty parties, they promote a far more social democratic ideology than the Westminster leadership, and Scottish Labour electorally see much of their support coming from traditional, pre-Blair labourites as opposed to new, neoliberal labour in the south. The dominance of more social democratic parties in Scotland offers hope not only for an independent Scotland, but for the whole of Britain. 

The abandonment of Clause 4 and the socialist principles of the labour party by Blair in order to make the party appeal to the middle ground in England is something which has damaged the left in Westminster, this doesn't look to be changing anytime soon - Miliband today still subscribes to privatisation of major public services and a largely neoliberal economic strategy. This abandonment of socialist priniciples by the traditional left leadership in Britain, coupled with the difficulties posed by the first past the post electoral system in allowing for small party growth to affect real change has meant the UK parliament is virtually devoid of any strong left wing voice in voting terms. Aside from relics of old labour who still occupy back benches such as Dennis Skinner, who has recently been voted off labour's party council, and single activists such as George Galloway, the House of Commons is almost devoid of any lefty voices. But this could all change should Scotland gain independence.

The development projects which the SNP have promoted as the benefits of an independent Scotland will, if enacted, provide stark contrast to the austerity being imposed on England and Wales. Social development in Scotland and a growing state, contrasted with rising costs in higher education, and social budgets being slashed south of the border could create a shop window effect which has the potential to revitalise the weak left in Westminster. It may get worse before it gets better, but sunshine on leith could provide a new dawn for the rest of Britain.

What do you think? Leave your comments below.