UK's New Universities Stifled by Red Tape Despite Innovations in Project-Based Learning
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A handful of new universities have opened in Britain after rule changes in 2017 that allow upstarts to operate independently from day one.
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Most new universities focus on practical, technical subjects like engineering where graduates are in high demand. They aim to innovate with shorter degrees, project-based learning, and flexibility.
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But regulation continues to hamper the new universities, with a lengthy approval process and bureaucracy from the universities regulator.
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The government has lost enthusiasm for backing "challenger" institutions amid other priorities like a crackdown on "rip-off" degrees.
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With more 18-year-olds soon, the government should rediscover zeal for new universities to increase competition and expand access.