Open letter to the UK Government: The future of International Studies and funding pressures in higher education
For the attention of Rt. Hon Baroness Smith, Minister of State for Skills (Education)
The British International Studies Association (BISA), the Political Studies Association (PSA) and the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES) representing scholars and educators in Politics and International Studies, are writing to express our deep concern about the severe funding challenges in UK higher education and the potentially damaging consequences to our disciplines.
While acknowledging that each of the nations of the UK has its own higher education policy, we believe that the cumulative impact of these on the UK higher education sector should be highlighted.
Across the UK, universities are facing acute financial pressures. These challenges are real, and we recognise that senior university leaders are being forced to make difficult decisions. However, the growing number of job cuts, course closures, and departmental restructurings risks having a profound impact on the academic ecosystem that has long underpinned the UK’s global reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation.
Degrees in Politics and International Studies are vital to the health of a democracy, an informed citizenry, and a skilled workforce. Graduates leave with skills in high demand across the public, private, and non-profit sectors: critical thinking abilities, intercultural understanding, research fluency, and digital and policy literacy. As a recent British Academy report highlights, Politics and International Studies has seen enrollments increasing and graduates achieving above-average earnings. Nonetheless, in the current funding climate, many departments, are facing significant cuts and academic jobs have already been put at risk at a number of institutions, raising concerns about the emergence of geographical ‘cold spots’ in Politics and International Studies provision, with implications for access in Higher Education.
Moreover, the UK’s community of Politics and International Studies scholars continues to generate world-leading research, contribute to public debate and policy development, and engages with global partners on pressing issues including peace and security, human rights, and climate change. Our discipline plays an important role in preparing the next generation of leaders, diplomats, analysts, and citizens with the skills and the research to tackle these issues.
We are concerned by the proposals set out in the Government’s recent immigration white paper, including the increase in visa fees and the introduction of a levy on international student income . These measures risk further exacerbating financial pressures and potentially undermine the UK’s ability to attract the international talent on which the strength of our universities depends. That students from across the globe wish to study and learn from us should be celebrated as an achievement that demonstrates the outstanding reputation of the higher education sector. Given the estimated £37.4 billion net gain from international students for the UK economy, we echo the call from UUK that the government should think carefully about how a levy on fees could impact universities and the UK's global appeal.
The Government must take action to support the higher education sector through this period of instability. This should include:
- Seeking solutions through its review of Higher Education in England and its spending review to ensure that the HE sector can continue to thrive
- Reviewing the implications of the proposed immigration levy and visa costs for universities
- Engaging with learned societies and professional associations to develop a long-term, sustainable vision for UK higher education.
As professional associations, BISA, PSA and UACES remain committed to defending and promoting our discipline. We call on the Government to do the same.
Yours faithfully,
Professor Juanita Elias (incoming chair, British International Studies Association)
Professor Rose Gann (chair, Political Studies Association)
Professor Kyle Grayson (chair, British International Studies Association)
Professor Toni Haastrup (chair, University Association for Contemporary European Studies)
Addresses for correspondence:
British International Studies Association
University of Birmingham, Room 650 Muirhead Tower, Birmingham B152TT
Political Studies Association of the UK
Elizabeth Meehan Suite, Regent House - Unit 2
Pratt Mews, London, NW1 0AD
University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES)
Idea Space,83 Lavender Hill
London SW11 5QL
