Former Croydon student leads uni revolt against tuition fees (From Croydon Guardian)

Former Croydon student leads university revolt against tuition fees

11:50am Thursday 14th May 2009 in News

A Croydon student is leading a rebellion against tuition fees at a university.

Robert Denham is outraged he and fellow economics and finance students have to pay £3,000 in fees at Bristol University but teaching has “failed to improve”.

In a seven-page complaint, Mr Denham claimed teaching hours have been reduced and staff have tried to get other undergraduates to mark their work.

Some 600 students have signed the complaint which said despite the increase in fees in 2006, resources have failed to match this investment.

The students have produced a list of grievances, demanding they get more for their money given the increased revenue to the university.

Among their complaints are how the prospectus suggests lectures would be given to groups of about 100 students when in reality, they contain up to 380, tutorials for small groups have been withdrawn for many students and money from tuition fees is being diverted to other parts of the university rather than improving education.

A spokesman for the University of Bristol said its peer marking was being trialed in one third-year unit.

It added students voted for larger class sizes, but conceded if it had said lectures would be about 100 students it was an error as it had been more than that for “a long time”.

It continued: “A fundamental point is that the Government’s prime purpose in allowing universities to introduce variable fees was to promote their financial stability by enabling them to meet more easily the cost of existing activities and facilities.

“It was not to pay for more activities and facilities or more contact hours. We are exploring with the students the issues raised and are keen to consider proposals for enhancing the student experience.”

Bristol University came 16th in the latest Sunday Times University Guide rankings.

It was ranked sixth by head teachers and ninth by academics, but data from the National Student Survey showed undergraduates were less positive, putting it 109th, with just 11 institutions below it.

The rebellion may be copied by students at other universities as the number studying for degrees increases while funding to teach them is squeezed.

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