Students: We’re not getting value for our £9k fees

Strikes and virus chaos are blamed

RISING numbers of students believe they are getting poor value for money in the wake of the pandemic and lecturer strikes, research shows.

They have complained about a ‘ massive gap’ in learning while still having to pay £9,250-a-year university tuition fees.

The annual Student Academic Experience Survey also suggests an increasing impact on their mental health.

It said students are ‘significantly less likely than the general population to feel satisfied or happy with their lives, to feel their lives are worthwhile or to feel low levels of anxiety’.

Undergraduates had already seen studies disrupted by strikes before lectures were shifted online in March due to the spread of Covid-19.

More than a million students were hit by 14-day walkouts by members of the University and College Union at 74 universities in February. Earlier action in November and December hit 60 institutions.

The survey questioned more than 10,000 students – half of them before March 16. The numbers reporting ‘good or very good’ value for money declined from 41 per cent in 2019 to 39 per cent. Those believing they are receiving ‘poor/very poor value’ rose from 29 per cent to 31 per cent. Students interviewed in late March and early

April were less likely to feel they have received good value. The cost of tuition fees was the main factor cited (57 per cent).

But students also pointed to ‘lots of strikes and missed lectures’ and ‘ missed contact hours’ as well as universities closed due to the pandemic. One student complained of a ‘lack of support during strikes and having to pay for teaching which we did not receive’.

Another said they were only ‘at university for two months’ before leaving by ‘ mid-March due to Covid-19 and still having to pay the nine grand for tutoring fees’. Students still have to pay the full £9,250 tuition fee this year even if they do not go onto campus, use any facilities and are taught purely online.

Cambridge and Bristol have said they will run all lectures

‘Missed lots of lectures’

online until next summer. Universities minister Michelle Donelan said: ‘It is clear that the impact of Covid-19 has, understandably, negatively impacted the experience of some students.

‘As universities prepare for next year, operating in what may be a different learning environment, it is essential that they offer a high quality education for all students, regardless of background.’ The survey showed the virus affected happiness, but did not particularly hit other measures such as life satisfaction, which remained low – at just 11 per cent.