Science Misses Out In Postgraduate Boom, UK

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 31 Jan 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Despite the UK being a world leader in terms of its universities, numbers of science PhDs - a key sector for the economy - are in relative decline. A report published by the Royal Society, reveals that doctoral degrees in science have dropped from representing 65% to 57% of all PhDs for UK students over the last ten years.

The report, 'A higher degree of concern', has found that doctoral degrees in all subjects in the UK have increased by 79% in the past ten years. This has included a large increase in the number of overseas students whose fees are helping to support universities. However physics, chemistry and engineering and technology have not benefited from this growth, with the numbers graduating in those key areas failing to grow.

The report concludes that the UK's position as a leader in higher education could be jeopardised by a failure to meet the needs of both the local and the global economy, where skills and innovation are increasingly essential to remain competitive. This failure could leave a skills gap for the UK and see overseas students turn to other countries, leaving a significant financial gap for UK universities.

Professor Judith Howard, Chair of the Royal Society Working Group said: "While postgraduate study in the UK is very successful in terms of the overall numbers of people studying and the income generated, the skills base our economy needs is still well behind our competitor economies. The technological breakthroughs that are required to keep us competitive will come from our labs but only if they have enough people with the best education and skills. Any investment now will pay dividends in the long term."

Among the recommendations in the report are:

- Universities and government should do more to encourage the study of science, technology, engineering and maths at all levels through the introduction of reduced fees or bursaries

- The introduction of a normal eight year study period from the start of a first degree to the completion of a PhD, with a national level strategy for funding

- Greater promotion of the career opportunities offered through studying these subjects and the fact that chemistry and physics graduates earn, on average, over 30% more than those with two or more A-levels. This compares to 23% for the average graduate - A detailed review of employers needs to inform the study of science, technology, engineering and technology in universities

In stand alone masters degrees, science has overall held its own well against other subjects over the ten years from 1994/5 to 2004/5. However, within this, physical and mathematical sciences have grown at slightly below average rates but chemistry and physics have declined significantly. The engineering and technology category has been static and now represents only 5.7% of graduates, compared to 9.3% ten years ago. Biological sciences including psychology and sport sciences have shown spectacular growth.

The need for a greater integration between industry and universities is also highlighted in the report. Recommendations suggest that employers should play a greater role in curriculum development as well as providing more opportunities for work experience as part of higher education qualifications.

Sir Tom McKillop, Chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland and member of the report's implementation group said: "It is graduates in science and technology who will be leading the innovation necessary to drive the UK's economy forward in the future. We cannot expect to achieve that on the cheap and a failure to invest the same levels as our competitors will leave the UK falling behind. Industry must fully engage in this process alongside universities and government to ensure that our education system evolves, and is supported, to meet the country's needs."

Notes:

1. The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities to:

- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
- Invigorate science and mathematics education
- Increase access to the best science internationally
- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery

2. The publication of 'A higher degree of concern' follows from 'A degree of concern', a review of higher education at first degree level, published by the Royal Society in 2006.

Royal Society

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