Thursday 21-07-2016 - 00:00

Durham University has announced higher fees for undergraduates commencing in Autumn 2017, ahead of MPs voting on proposed changes to Higher Education funding. Durham Students’ Union is deeply concerned about the uncertainty and image of inaccessibility this gives to students considering applying to Durham in the coming months. The move comes before any information has been confirmed about how both student loans and University scholarships and bursaries will be able to support students to undertake future studies at Durham. The current maximum tuition fee loan would not cover the full fees with this increase, and the question of how this can be sustainably addressed, with further increases in subsequent years is a concerning one.
 
The new Students’ Union President Alice Dee said: “There was no student representation at the committee where this decision was taken by the University.  The announcement has been met with criticism by Durham students - on social media, by our college and Union student leaders and in our student media. Even current students who won’t be affected by the fees are concerned about how this hasty and non-consultative change portrays our university – elitist and disconnected from the reality of student life and student concerns. This isn’t the Durham we’re proud of, or the message we want to give to prospective students who may face financial hardship when it comes to considering their higher education.”
 
The Students’ Union opposes the tuition fee increase, and believes that the challenges of diversity and accessibility in Durham are only increased by making degrees here more expensive. Moreover, the uncapping of fees at high-performing universities like Durham, will effectively introduce a two-tier system of higher education where the best universities become more expensive and less accessible to already under-represented groups. Academic Affairs Officer Lisa Whiting said: “Historically, Durham hasn’t been good at encouraging and supporting students experiencing financial hardship and students from diverse background to study here. By raising fees so quickly and without student consultation, the message given is that this isn’t a real priority. This isn’t what Durham students want, and it’s not what will help our University become one with a culture of openness, diversity and social responsibility. The University needs to address this and reaffirm its commitment, both to improving accessibility and to consulting with students and demonstrating that it’s in touch with students and listening to their concerns.”

The tuition fee rise comes off the back of 12 months of campaigning by the Students’ Union and college common room Presidents about the recent steep rise of college accommodation prices in Durham. As part of this campaign, the University had recognised the need for, and committed to, consultation with students about proposed increases.
 
The Students’ Union wants to hear from Durham Students about their thoughts on the increases. Despite being out of term time we know from social media that our students care deeply about this issue and the Union is keen to hear as many voices as possible. Concerns will then be communicated to the University, and form the basis for future action by the Union on this issue.

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