Third of UK youth think university degree is ‘a waste of time’
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A survey reveals that 58% believe a university degree does not prepare students for the real world.
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Teachers hold placards while taking part in a protest organized by NEU and other affiliated trade unions in Saint Peter's square, in Manchester, on February 1, 2023, as part of a national strike day. (AFP)
A survey conducted in the United Kingdom reveals that young people believe a university degree is "a waste of time." The poll of 2,000 people found that 32% of 18-24-year-olds agree with the aforementioned statement, while lecturers across the country went on strike. On the other hand, only 22% disagreed.
The poll results mark an increase on the previous year, when 27% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they agreed with the statement.
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The survey, conducted by the UPP Foundation and Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), also revealed that 58% feel "a university degree does not prepare students for the real world".
University lectures and seminars were canceled on Wednesday as 70,000 employees launched an unprecedented period of industrial action over salary, working conditions, and pensions.
The University and College Union anticipates that 18 days of strikes in February and March will affect 2.5 million students.
‘Universities need to do more’
The poll indicated that 71% believe the expense of living and the economic crisis will discourage individuals from attending university in the coming years, and more than half say the government should provide greater financial assistance to students.
On the other hand, only 10% put students among the top three groups that they would prioritize for support with the cost of living, compared with 57% of those on minimum wage, 47% percent for pensioners, and 42% for families with young children.
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Almost two-thirds say that "students should expect to work part-time to fund their living costs while at university". Furthermore, only 18% had visited a university this academic year, and more than half of those in the lowest social grade (DE) had never visited one at all.
