More private universities on the way, says vice-chancellor

The vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham has predicted a rise in the number of private institutions as a result of the looming funding crisis.

Dr Terence Kealy, in charge of the UK's only private university, told The Journal that a lack of government investment and a drop in the quality of teaching will lead to increased demand for privatised education.

Dr Kealy said: “The greater the freedom of the institutions, the better the quality of the education. The best universities can be found in the states, where most universities are run privately. European universities, on the other hand, are mainly run by the state, which is reflected in their quality.”

An increase in the amount of private universities would be a good change, beneficial to the maintenance of high quality teaching said Dr Kealy.

A UNESCO report published last year suggests a surge in the popularity of private universities.

According to the report 30 percent of worldwide enrolments in 2009 were at private universities.

The change in European attitudes towards privatised higher education have been highlighted by recent events in Denmark.

Private universities are currently not permitted in Denmark, and public universities are prohibited from charging tuition fees.

However, the country's government is preparing to change this law, with firms such as Lego already announcing plans for a university of their own.

The move by the Danish government has sparked criticisms from the country's academics.

Jens Vraa-Jensen, the chair of the higher education and research standing committee of Education International, said universities will not benefit from being privatised.

“The purpose of a private company is not providing high-quality, independent, critical understanding of society or natural sciences, but to make money for its owners, whether it produces knowledge or rubber boots.”

Private universities are still rare in western Europe; most of them small in size and specialising in certain areas.

Although these institutions charge higher fees than public universities, the degrees are shorter and statistics suggest this is catering to student needs.

Buckingham university has come top of the National Student Survey for several years now.

According to Dr Kealy the reason for this is because the university sees its pupils as its chief clients, ensuring that the “students come first”.

The University and College Union (UCU) said private universities are likely to become more popular across Europe.

The union stated governments are struggling to fulfil the goals for expanding higher education that they set themselves before the financial crisis.

Still, UCU does not regard the idea in a positive light. UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said:

“Universities embarking on private partnerships are gambling with their reputations and with staff jobs. Everywhere staff have been polled over their institution’s proposed involvement with private companies, they have voted in an overwhelming majority against the plans.

"Universities cannot simply privatise away their responsibilities for staff who face an uncertain future. ”