UK falls behind in university rankings
BRITISH universities are falling behind in employability rankings as foreign institutions increasingly use English.
The UK’S position in The Times Higher Education’s (THE) global rankings has declined more than any other European country in recent years.
Meanwhile, the rapid improvement of universities in the East has seen countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore rise.
There are now 10 British universities in the top 150, down from 15 in 2011. The US, which has also traditionally dominated, now has 34 institutions in the top 150, down from 55.
The trend for universities around the world to teach courses in English has been a significant factor in Britain and American institutions losing their edge, analysts say.
“Maybe 10 years ago the US and UK – Canada and Australia as well – had much more of an advantage,” says Simon Baker, data editor at THE. “But more and more they face competition from other countries teaching in English. International students who are looking to study abroad don’t just want a top university. English is the most important language when it comes to business. Learning it is part and parcel of making yourself employable.”
He said that universities in continental Europe – as well as those further afield – have realised that offering courses in English is an effective way to boost their appeal.
“The biggest example is in the Netherlands – there is a debate about whether they are teaching too much in English as it has become so prevalent. It is part of a drive to attract international students to Netherlands,” Mr Baker told The Daily Telegraph.
“In Germany it is happening more and more, and even France, which is known for being protective of its language – they are offering courses in English too. Put together with countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, which is a hub for higher education, where English is widely used.”
The employability rankings are compiled by giving each university a score, based on a survey of 7,000 graduate recruiters as well as of managing directors of international companies.
Germany is the most improved European nation since 2011, with the number of institutions in the top 150 more than doubling. It has overtaken France to become the second country overall, behind the US. France is now joint third with the UK.
Another reason for the dwindling number of UK institutions in the top 150 is an increase in the number of Eastern universities entering the rankings for the first time.
“Over the last 10 years we have seen the rise of Chinese universities and improvements to top institutions in several Eastern countries,” Mr Baker said.
The highest ranking British university is Cambridge in fourth place, followed by Oxford in 11th place.