Too many universities ‘poor value’

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Andy Haldane, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, called for a major reform of the university system, criticizing many degree programs for lacking value and failing to prepare students adequately for the workforce. He advocated for greater integration of work experience and business partnerships in higher education, a move aligned with projections that experiential learning will become increasingly central to degrees by 2035.

A senior economist has called for a significant overhaul of the university system, citing concerns that too many degree programs offer poor value for money. Andy Haldane, president of the British Chambers of Commerce and former chief economist at the Bank of England, described the current model as a "nightmare" compared to how it functioned 10 to 20 years ago.

Speaking during the annual lecture of the Lifelong Education Institute in London, Haldane emphasized that many universities remain tied to a business approach that no longer aligns with present-day economic and employment realities. He suggested that this disconnect results in an educational experience that fails to adequately prepare students for the workforce.

Haldane highlighted the importance of integrating employment prospects and business engagement more closely with academic programs. He advocated for degree apprenticeships to become commonplace, arguing that such pathways, which combine work experience with academic study, could address concerns about the value of university education.

This perspective aligns with recent data from Universities UK, which projects that by 2035, around 1.4 million students annually will gain work experience as part of their degrees. The organization has underscored the growing emphasis on experiential learning and its role in enhancing employability.

While Haldane’s comments focus on reforming degree structures and encouraging partnerships between universities and businesses, he did not specify particular policy measures or propose a timeline for change. Nonetheless, his critique spotlights ongoing debates about the purpose and financing of higher education, especially amid rising tuition costs and questions over graduate outcomes.

Universities themselves have acknowledged the importance of work experience but also emphasize their broader roles in fostering critical thinking, research, and cultural development. Supporters of traditional university education caution that an overemphasis on vocational training might diminish these wider societal contributions.

The conversation over university value reflects wider economic concerns about skills gaps, labor market demands, and the evolving nature of work. As policymakers and educational institutions consider responses, the balance between academic theory and practical application remains a central challenge.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.