Strategically important subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

We have for several years recognised science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as strategically important and vulnerable subjects. To address this, we have funded a number of projects as part of our ongoing programme that aims to increase and widen participation in key STEM areas.

Working with professional bodies and other key partners, our initial work focused on pilot projects designed to raise demand and widen participation in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. We have now built on the successful elements of these projects and integrated this work into a national programme of activity.

National HE STEM Programme

The National HE STEM Programme aims to contribute to the development of a national higher education (HE) STEM sector, and increase and enhance employees with knowledge and skills in these areas.

We have appointed the University of Birmingham to host the programme. The Universities of Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester Metropolitan, Southampton and Swansea will act as points of focus for regional activities to engage local workforces in HE learning. They will also enhance the undergraduate student experience in the STEM disciplines by helping students develop the skills required by employers, engage young people in STEM disciplines, and widen participation in these subjects among school students.

The programme:

  • will run from August 2009 to July 2012 with funding of £20 million from HEFCE, and a further £1 million from HEFCW
  • complements national level work to support STEM through school and post-16 education (such as that run by the former Department for Children, Schools and Families)
  • will respond to recent changes in the HE landscape, such as the increased focus on the higher-level skills agenda.

More students to study STEM subjects

In April 2010, we invited higher education institutions to shift the balance of their teaching provision towards vulnerable STEM and modern foreign language subjects, starting in 2010-11. This invitation was in part a response to the increasing demand for STEM subjects from prospective students.

More on this initiative and the number of student places that have moved

High-cost and vulnerable laboratory-based subjects

In November 2006, we announced that we would also provide additional funding for three years to support those subjects that were very high cost, strategically important to the economy and society but vulnerable due to low student demand.

The additional funding began in 2007-08 and supports chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, and mineral, metallurgy and materials engineering. It helps to maintain provision in these subjects in universities and colleges while demand from students grows.

Further information

For more information contact Jennifer Allen, tel 0117 931 7054, e-mail j.allen@hefce.ac.uk.

Last updated 7 July 2010