Britain’s universities are in economic, academic and cultural decline

Len Shackleton argues that Britain’s universities face a combined financial, academic and cultural decline, and that political parties have not offered plans proportionate to the problems. He says their claim to be “world-leading” is increasingly hard to justify as institutions struggle financially, degree standards weaken and universities’ role in public life shifts.

The article says more than 40 per cent of institutions were expected to run an operating deficit, while the number of first-class degrees awarded rose from 7 per cent in 1993–94 to 30 per cent in 2024–25. It also cites nearly 700,000 overseas students a year, falling entry scores in seven major subjects, and estimates that 30 per cent of graduates are in work not requiring a degree or are unable to find jobs. Shackleton criticises student finance, the influence of EDI and critical theory, and the scale and focus of university research, arguing that research funding should be reduced and concentrated in fewer institutions.