HEFCE News : 2010
A monthly round-up of information issued by HEFCE is published in HEFCE Update.
20 December 2010
Grant announcement for higher education 2011-12
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has set out the funding for higher education in 2011-12 and beyond in the annual grant letter to HEFCE.
16 December 2010
Aimhigher summer school participants more likely to progress to higher education
A new report shows that pupils who attend Aimhigher summer schools are more likely to enter higher education than similar pupils who do not.
7 December 2010
New concordat to engage the public with research
HEFCE has signed a concordat which aims to create stronger ties between the public and all forms of research.
29 November 2010
Providing information that helps students make the right higher education choices
A discussion opens on the information that higher education providers publish to help prospective students choose the course and institution that are best for them.
26 November 2010
Public survey shows support for investment in higher education
The public widely recognise the benefits of higher education and strongly support public investment in it, according to a survey.
25 November 2010
HEFCE statement on end of Aimhigher programme
The Minister for Universities and Skills, David Willetts MP, announced today that funding for the Aimhigher programme would cease in July 2011.
18 November 2010
Evaluation of Lifelong Learning Networks welcomed
A report shows that the programme has achieved well against its objectives and has improved learner progression opportunities.
18 November 2010
UK students benefit from study abroad
A review shows that studying abroad can lead to success in later life and bring benefits to the UK's knowledge economy.
11 November 2010
Pilot paves the way for impact as a key element in the REF
A report shows that the impact of research can be assessed, described and rewarded in the UK’s new framework for assessing research.
4 November 2010
Study into benchmarking activity welcomed
HEFCE welcomes a detailed study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency into the range of benchmarking activity currently taking place in the higher education sector.
3 November 2010
Response to new funding arrangements for higher education
HEFCE's Chief Executive, Sir Alan Langlands, sets out the Council's response to today's statement from the Government.
29 October 2010
Joint statement on the future of the quality assurance system
HEFCE, Universities UK, GuildHE and the Quality Assurance Agency invite comments on the development of the quality assurance system.
28 October 2010
HEFCE funding for Foundation Degree Forward to end
After seven years at the heart of employer engagement in higher education, HEFCE will cease mainstream funding for Foundation Degree Forward by July 2011.
28 October 2010
Understanding student perspectives of online learning
A study reveals the views of new and potential students on online learning at universities and colleges.
27 October 2010
Public investment in higher education must be revisited
Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of HEFCE, looks ahead to the question of public investment in higher education as the economy improves.
21 October 2010
Student interests are paramount in new funding arrangements
Sir Alan Langlands addresses vice-chancellors at HEFCE's annual conference.
15 October 2010
Ian Pearson appointed Chair of National HE STEM Programme
The former Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Science Minister has been appointed Chair of the programme.
14 October 2010
Information about online courses should be improved
A study highlights the need for universities and colleges to improve information available to students about online courses.
12 October 2010
Response to the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance
HEFCE's Chief Executive, Sir Alan Langlands, sets out the Council's response to Lord Browne's recommendations.
4 October 2010
Aaron Porter appointed observer to HEFCE Board
For the first time the President of the National Union of Students will be an observer at HEFCE’s Board meetings.
18 August 2010
Student survey shows high levels of satisfaction among undergraduates
Eighty two per cent of students say they are satisfied with their course according to this year's National Student Survey.
11 August 2010
Call to involve disabled people in policy making
HEFCE invites disabled people to become involved in HEFCE's policy making process over the next 12 months.
5 August 2010
Keeping pace with enthusiasm for sustainable development
Eleven HEFCE-funded projects are leading sustainable development in higher education.
3 August 2010
Improving public information about higher education
Two studies show how improved public information on higher education can help potential students make more informed choices.
23 July 2010
Research Excellence Framework – panel recruitment and nominations
The funding bodies have published details of the new units of assessment for the REF and are recruiting to its expert panels.
22 July 2010
HEFCE announces revised grants for universities and colleges
Revised allocations following changes to government funding and decisions by HEFCE's Board.
15 July 2010
Research Excellence Framework – main panels and equality advisory group
The funding bodies are pleased to announce appointments of the four main panel chair designates for the first REF exercise.
12 July 2010
New financial memorandum published
Following a period of consultation, HEFCE has set out a revised funding agreement with the institutions it funds.
9 July 2010
HEFCE welcomes revised timetable for REF
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, has today confirmed the timetable for the Research Excellence Framework.
8 July 2010
Four years of the National Student Survey show increasing satisfaction
Today sees the release of a HEFCE report on the findings and trends of the annual National Student Survey from 2006 to 2009.
8 July 2010
Information for students a key part of quality assurance changes
The quality of information available to students will be improved under changes being introduced to the quality assurance system.
5 July 2010
Revolving Green Fund is cutting university carbon emissions
An evaluation of the fund shows it is supporting projects that are saving over 2 per cent of carbon emissions each year.
1 July 2010
Over £10.5 million for university museums and galleries
In 2010-11 HEFCE will support 33 individual museums and galleries in 19 universities and colleges.
24 June 2010
Student places and funding for 2010-11
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has sent a revised grant letter for 2010-11 to HEFCE.
24 June 2010
Funding more students
An extra 10,000 student places will be funded in 2010-11 via HEFCE's University Modernisation Fund.
14 June 2010
UK universities deliver £2.97 billion in services to business and industry
Higher education sector and the wider economy are benefiting from universities' entrepreneurial spirit.
11 June 2010
Universities to publish employability statements
The statements will show what help universities and colleges provide to students to improve their employability and transition into work.
1 June 2010
Charity regulation comes into force
Today HEFCE takes on new duties to regulate many of the institutions it funds.
19 May 2010
Examining opportunities for fairer access
HEFCE welcomes a report by the Office for Fair Access on ways to widen access to highly selective universities.
1 April 2010
Growth in foundation degree students on track to exceed target
A HEFCE report published today shows that the number of foundation degree students is on track to exceed the government target of 100,000 by 2010.
30 March 2010
Head of Learning and Teaching appointed
HEFCE has appointed William Locke as its new Head of Learning and Teaching.
29 March 2010
HEFCE supports new community campus
A contribution of £10 million from the Council will support a new campus for Manchester Metropolitan University that is central to regeneration plans in Hulme.
26 March 2010
Research Excellence Framework – consultation outcomes
The four UK higher education funding bodies today announced the outcomes of the recent consultation on the new system for assessing research.
24 March 2010
Budget announcement on 20,000 additional student places welcomed
HEFCE warmly welcomes an additional £270 million to universities and colleges in 2010-11 to support 20,000 extra student places and improve efficiency.
24 March 2010
Review of the method for funding teaching
The first of two consultations that will inform the Council's teaching funding method from 2012-13 is published today.
18 March 2010
£7.3 billion for universities and colleges in England
HEFCE will distribute £7,356 million in funding for universities and colleges in England for 2010-11.
12 March 2010
Transformation in higher education to support economic recovery
HEFCE is investing over £1.5 million in projects to enable the higher education sector to continue to play an important role in the economic recovery.
11 March 2010
Number of undergraduates studying science subjects continues to rise
A report published today by HEFCE shows an increase in students studying 'vulnerable' subjects such as physics, chemistry and maths.
8 March 2010
HEFCE plays a vital role in support of the HE sector
A review of the Council concludes that it is a high-performing organisation that has the confidence of the higher education sector and the Government.
25 February 2010
Debate opens on future of higher education workforce
A HEFCE report encourages discussion about how higher education should respond to the most pressing challenges for people working in universities and colleges.
11 February 2010
7000 graduates to get job market head start
Over fifty universities have taken up the Government's £13.6 million fund to provide internships in small businesses by the end of the year.
1 February 2010
HEFCE announces funding for universities and colleges in 2010-11
Key decisions for the provisional distribution of funding following the meeting of HEFCE's Board in January.
28 January 2010
Higher education commits to reducing carbon emissions
A new strategy published today sets out the key role universities and colleges will play in tackling climate change.
28 January 2010
Rise in disadvantaged young people entering higher education
A major study by HEFCE shows a substantial and sustained increase in the participation rate of young people from the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.