The New 'University Challenge'
The New 'University Challenge' is a government initiative to develop new higher education (HE) centres designed to make higher education more accessible.
Proposals
Following a period of consultation, we invited institutions to submit statements of intent and proposals for new HE centres.
The process involved assembling evidence using:
- a common evidence base prepared by HEFCE that looks in detail at one aspect - increasing the opportunities to study locally - for measuring local provision
- local evidence of demand.
We received a total of 28 proposals, all of which we considered against criteria specified in the consultation. Of these, we have agreed to develop the business case for six proposals. But we are asking successful institutions to postpone the development of their proposals until spending decisions for the period 2011 to 2014 have been taken.
Consultation 2008
In the second half of 2008 we published a consultation on the process of developing this initiative. The consultation focused on our approach to assessing proposals for the new HE centres, the priorities of other funding bodies, a common evidence base, and the criteria and process for making a case for a centre. Four consultation events on 23, 24 and 26 September 2008 set out our approach to the challenge in the light of the Government's policy framework.
Background
The Government outlined the initiative in a paper published in March 2008. This publication:
- set out plans for towns and cities to bid for new HE centres and campuses so as 'to unlock the talents of people and to drive local economic regeneration'
- asked HEFCE 'to lead a debate with a wide range of organisations to develop a transparent mechanism for communities to put together a bid for funds for an HE centre or university campus'.
Subject to receiving high-quality proposals, we were asked to take decisions to support new HE centres by 2014.
The new HE opportunities will be located in towns and communities that can best demonstrate that they have support from local people and businesses, and where the extension of HE provision will have the greatest impact, while continuing to support existing developments.
Sector impact assessment
In developing the New 'University Challenge', we have undertaken a formal assessment of the impact it will have on the HE sector in terms of regulatory burden, equality and diversity, and sustainable development.
New 'University Challenge' sector impact assessment
[ Download New 'University Challenge' sector impact assessment as Adobe PDF 30K | Download New 'University Challenge' sector impact assessment as MS Word 398K ]
Further information
For further information please contact Ruth Tucker, tel 0117 931 7367, e-mail r.tucker@hefce.ac.uk.
Last updated 16 February 2010