Welcome to the first edition of London Higher’s electronic newsletter providing you with updates on projects, research and news regarding London’s higher education.

London’s universities are big business for UK

The positive economic and social impact that London’s universities and higher education colleges have on the region and the UK as a whole is revealed in a new report: London: The Knowledge Capital.

The report summarises two independent studies (by GLA Economics and KPMG) commissioned by London Higher and the London Development Agency. Key points to emerge are:

• universities and higher education colleges in London generate
• approximately £8 billion in goods and services across the UK every year - nearly one percent of the UK’s GDP
• each annual cohort of London graduates is estimated to generate £11.7 billion in earnings over their working lives
• international students and visitors contribute nearly £750 million to the UK economy each year
• London’s universities and higher education colleges win over £600 million in research funding competitions each year
• for every one person employed by a London institution one job is created for another person elsewhere in the economy

The report demonstrates that it is the combination of people, ideas and facilities in the context of a world city that makes London’s universities and higher education colleges a powerful driver for economic, cultural and social advancement.

Perceptions of study in London

Study London, a new promotional campaign supported by the London Development Agency to attract more overseas students to London, has launched its portal to all London’s higher education institutions at www.studylondon.ac.uk.

London Higher first commissioned MORI to undertake qualitative research with international students in New York and Sydney to better understand international student drivers, decision making processes and their perceptions of London.

Key findings:

• Why study abroad? Increased educational opportunities;  
  Different lifestyle; Learning within English language environment;
  International exposure on CV
• Perceptions of London’s Higher education? Quality education but also heavy workload with a rigid structure; Education more academic/theoretical than applied; Few links with business/industry; Students could only name one London institution (but did mention Oxbridge in London!)
• Perceptions of London?; Academic and cultural resources available in London were seen as world class; London is the gateway to Europe with excellent transport links; London was not seen as a diverse, multi-cultural city with such a large number of international students.

Respondents overwhelmingly used the web as the primary research tool when considering a place to study.

When choosing where to study, the opinions and experiences of friends and family who had studied or were currently studying overseas were primary drivers.

London Higher has been working with partners such as the London Development Agency, the Mayors Office and Visit London to explore further collaborative opportunities to promote London as the best place in the world to be a student.

London Higher celebrates a year of achievement

London Higher celebrated a year of achievement at the Globe Theatre on the South Bank on 24 June 2004. Its been a busy and eventful year for the London Higher team which has seen the launch of a series of policy documents, publications and a web portal to promote all London Higher members.

Highlights have included the launch of London: The Knowledge Capital with the Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP, Secretary of State for Education, at a high profile event in May 2004. Charles Clarke welcomed the opportunity to launch what he thought was an excellent report and a very good example of regional collaboration with the London Development Agency.

He also supported the Mayor’s efforts in promoting the sector and agreed to champion London, and its education sector, wherever possible in recognition that London is the best city in the world and contains one of the biggest and best clusters of academic institutions.

London Higher took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Chair, Professor David Rhind, for his commitment and support over the last three years. Professor Adrian Smith (Principal of Queen Mary University of London) will takeover from David on the 1 August 2004.

The London Higher Business Plan 2004-5 was also approved and will be available on the website.

For more information about London Higher visit www.londonhigher.ac.uk

London’s higher education institutions support the Olympic 2012 bid

On 15 May 2003 London announced its intention to launch a bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012. From an early stage it has been appreciated that London’s universities and higher education colleges represent a valuable asset in any potential bid to host the Games in London.

A London Higher Olympic subgroup has been discussing the issues and has developed a strategy focusing on six key areas:

• Accommodation
• Student volunteers
• Team facilities
• Language services
• Legacy benefits
• Promotional assistance

Work is currently underway to compile and submit the HE offer document to the London 2012 Forum by 31 July. In the meantime please visit the London 2012 website and register your support for the Olympic bid. 

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London Higher is a membership organization that promotes and acts as an advocate for London’s higher education. It is an ‘umbrella’ body and all 42 eligible universities and colleges are members. London Higher is the biggest and most varied of the regional university associations in the UK. For more information on London Higher: www.londonhigher.ac.uk