All of this comes as the government considers what to do about university funding in England from 2026, in a review likely to conclude next year.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, which represents 140 institutions, said universities are already “making tough choices to control costs”, adding that the sector “needs to continue evolving”.
The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich has cut £30m in the last 18 months – almost 10% of its annual spending.
Prof David Maguire, the vice chancellor, says “difficult decisions” have led to a 20% reduction in the number of courses, increased lecture group sizes, less one-to-one contact between academics and students, and fewer staff in student support including in mental health and counselling.
Unlike big city universities, there are no nearby institutions to collaborate with, so remaining financially sustainable is crucial, especially for the many local students who live at home.
Prof Maguire says universities need to know what tuition fees or direct funding they will get through to the next election.
“We don’t want boom and bust, where one year we’re up, the next year we’re down. That doesn’t help anybody.”
The increase in National Insurance contributions the university has to pay as an employer will more than wipe out the increase in tuition fees next year, he adds.
As universities cut back there is a risk to the student experience – this year the largest annual study of undergraduates, external found only 36% in England thought their course was good or very good value for money.
Sir David says he expects “absolute transparency” about what students are getting in return for fees, whether on contact hours or important services such as mental health support.
He suggests business degrees are one area that might need more scrutiny to demonstrate which offer the best outcomes for students.
