Increase value of master’s loans, urges Russell Group

Elite UK universities are calling for an increase to the value of publicly funded master’s loans to ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds can continue their studies.

In a position paper published on 2 June, the Russell Group of research-intensive universities argues that “funding and affordability remain among the most significant barriers to progression” into postgraduate study, “with many prospective students unable to meet the full cost of study even where academic attainment is strong”.

Urging ministers in devolved administrations across the UK to “review the level and structure of financial support for postgraduate study,” the paper says England should increase the value of the postgraduate master’s loan “so it better reflects the full cost of study and maintenance”.

Introduced in 2016, loans for master’s degrees in England provide a single fixed sum of £12,858. Critics argue that this is often only enough to cover tuition, leaving students to find at least £10,000 from other sources to cover the cost of living while they study.

Similar loans are also available for students studying in Northern Ireland, while maintenance and fee loans are available in Scotland and Wales. In its report, the Russell Group calls for an increase in the amounts available to master’s students in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Wales, which offers up to £19,635 in loans, should review whether the current support covers the full cost of study, it recommends.

Noting that childcare costs can be a barrier “that disproportionately affects women and those from lower-income backgrounds”, the Russell Group paper calls on England, Northern Ireland and Wales to “extend eligibility for the Childcare Grant to postgraduate students”. Scotland should “simplify the process to ensure all students are eligible to apply to the relevant Childcare Funds,” it adds.

In addition, UK Research and Innovation should increase dedicated doctoral funding for widening participation candidates, “either by embedding it within mainstream doctoral funding or through ring-fenced studentships”.

The research funder should also fund “national research placements, bridging programmes and outreach to develop early interest in research careers”, the group says, noting the example of similar interventions at the University of Oxford.

The paper also highlights examples of initiatives at Russell Group institutions that could be adopted across the sector, including the University of Warwick’s Pathway programme to support black students.

The University of Cambridge’s use of contextual admissions, which encourages assessors to “consider applications holistically” including an applicant’s socio-economic background if they have not studied at either Cambridge or Oxford, is also highlighted.

Welcoming the report,Russell Group chief executive Libby Hackett said it was vital to expand access to postgraduate study because the “system…is currently shutting out too many talented graduates”.

“Reform to childcare support and postgraduate funding, and a bigger collective effort across our sector, can prevent inequality becoming entrenched and help meet the accelerating demand for advanced skills,” said Hackett.

Irene Tracey, who is chairing a Russell Group-led round table on postgraduate access this week, said it was vital that “postgraduate education is open to outstanding students from every part of society is vital – not only for fairness, but because talent is everywhere and must be given the opportunity to flourish”.

“The strength and excellence of our research and academic community depends on our ability to attract and support exceptional students from all backgrounds,” she said.

jack.grove@timeshighereducation.com