Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

University Education: Covid-19

Monday 12 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed resources required by universities to support teaching and learning during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Concerns were raised about potential higher non-completion rates among students due to the pandemic impact.
  • The Government has a taskforce that meets weekly to discuss issues such as non-completion rates and to ensure students complete their courses.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Education
Context

The question arises from concerns about the financial and resource implications of supporting university teaching and learning under pandemic conditions.

Question

What estimate has been made of the resources required by universities to support teaching and learning for students during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We are working across Government and closely with the higher education sector to provide both practical and financial support through the covid-19 outbreak. This includes publishing reopening guidance to universities informed by SAGE advice, lifting caps on domestic medicine and dentistry courses for 2020-21, and providing both additional capital and teaching grant funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific estimate of resources required was not provided.

How: We Are Working Across Government

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Q2 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Context

Concerns are raised about potential higher non-completion rates among students due to the pandemic, affecting university financial stability.

Question

She may be aware of concerns that the impact of the covid pandemic on the student experience will see higher non-completion rates. If non-completion rates were to increase, would the Government consider allocating additional financial support to universities?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We have a taskforce that meets weekly and non-completion is something we discuss. We are determined to stand by students and ensure they complete their courses, unlocking future potential and opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment without specifics on additional financial support or mechanisms.

How: We Have A Taskforce That Meets Weekly

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