Doubts About Value Of Degrees And University Expansion Not Backed By Evidence: King's College London

Former universities minister David Willetts, who is a visiting professor at King’s College London has challenged the growing media and public debate on the values of university degrees. David said that the debate is ignoring the long-lasting benefits of higher education.

Study Abroad: The former universities minister David Willetts has commented on the growing doubts on the value of degrees and their financial returns as more people are now going to university.

"Young graduates earn £5,000 more annually than non-graduates, but that premium is lower than it was 10 years ago. The real earnings of young graduates have been broadly flat over the last decade, similar to earnings overall, whereas non-graduate earnings have been boosted by the minimum wage. But graduates individually do continue to enjoy rises in their earnings year on year – much higher than non-graduates," he said.

"If you were a doctor, you would prescribe more education. Studies show that higher education is a driver of better physical and mental health, even after accounting for other biographical factors, such as socioeconomic background and gender. The benefits of higher education are felt by the children of graduates too, and these cross-generational benefits are estimated to be worth at least as much as the financial benefits of increased earnings," he added.

He listed out many other benefits of going to university and said that such debates are not backed by evidence.

KCL Funds Collaborative Research Into Defence Challenges, Global Security

The inaugural Security & Defence PLuS (S&D+) Seed Grant scheme is funding around nine new projects which also cover climate change, integrated deterrence, cybersecurity, AI, military ethics, and space. This scheme is a flagship program of PLuS Alliance which combined the capabilities of three universities including Arizona State University, King’s College London, and the University of New South Wales.

"The projects are being led by experts from King’s Department of War Studies, the Defence Studies Department and the Department of Engineering. The videos below spotlight these projects, featuring insights from the academics driving them as they outline their focus, proposed solutions and intended outcomes, offering a glimpse into the future impact of their research," says the statement of the King's College London.

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