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Advisory group report 2010-11
Advice and conclusions on strategically important and vulnerable subjects.
Strategically important subjects
In 2004, the Secretary of State sought advice from us on whether there are any strategically important higher education subjects or courses. The 'strategic importance' of these subjects refers to the need for some kind of assistive intervention to facilitate the subject's provision. Where such intervention is necessary in order to address a mismatch between supply and demand, the subject is designated as both strategically important and vulnerable.
The Secretary of State requested that we examine prospective strategically important subjects and the types of intervention that could be considered.
Strategically important and vulnerable subjects
In response to the Government's request, we have undertaken a £350 million programme of work to support subjects that are strategically important and vulnerable. The work of our advisory group has informed the scope and direction of this programme. Currently, the following subjects are identified as strategically important and vulnerable:
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- area studies and related minority languages, including:
- Arabic and Turkish language studies and other Middle Eastern area studies, former Soviet Union Caucasus and central Asian area studies
- Japanese, Chinese and other far eastern languages and area studies
- courses relating to recent EU accession countries, especially those in Eastern Europe and the Baltic
- quantitative social science
- modern foreign languages.
Evaluation of the programme
We have now published an evaluation of the programme. This looked at its impact, effectiveness, and value for money. It found that activities carried out through the programme of work have:
- been successful in avoiding heavy-handed market interference
- enabled the programme to show leadership while remaining responsive to developments and initiatives by the sector
- sustained provision
- brought value for money.
Read the full evaluation of the SIVS programme
Advisory group's 2010-11 report
The advisory group has produced its second report. The report:
- notes key developments since the group's first report in 2009
- sets out the evidence on the current and future supply of graduates and postgraduates in SIVS subjects
- analyses the predicted future demand for all SIVS qualifications.
Breakdown of funds
A detailed breakdown of our funding for strategically important and vulnerable subjects is outlined below.
HEFCE's programme of work to support strategically important and vulnerable subjects 2005-06 to 2011-12
[ Download HEFCE's programme of work as Adobe PDF 47K | Download HEFCE's programme of work as MS Word 83K ]
We have produced a brief guide to illustrate our support for and future approach towards strategically important and vulnerable subjects.
Sustaining science and other key vulnerable subjects in higher education
[ Download Sustaining science and other key vulnerable subjects in higher education as Adobe PDF 711K ]
Other strategically important subjects
Islamic studies
In June 2007 the Government identified Islamic studies as a strategically important subject. Through a programme of work we have since allocated £1 million to support among other things, the digitisation of Islamic studies resources and the development of a UK Islamic studies network.
Land-based studies
In 2007, a review of land-based studies found no immediate threat to the sustainability of its provision in England, while recommending specific actions to prevent future vulnerability. We have subsequently agreed that the subject should no longer be considered vulnerable, but have launched a programme of support to forestall potential risks.
Further information
Details of our continuing support for strategic subjects are also available.
Questions about HEFCE's approach to strategic subjects should be directed to Paul Hazell, tel 0117 931 7452, e-mail p.hazell@hefce.ac.uk.
Last updated 21 September 2011