What makes a good university in the 21st century?

Newcastle University
Newcastle University Credit: Alamy

Until recently students needed to weigh up four key criteria when looking for a good university: course quality, university reputation, location and accommodation costs.

However, fee rises and changing attitudes towards university have transformed students into more critical consumers of higher education. People understandably want to maximise their employability and this raises further questions about what to look for when choosing a university.

The good news is attitudes towards Clearing are also changing. The process now offers students with a valuable opportunity to think again and question whether they’re on the right track.

University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow Credit: Keith Hunter

Although the old criteria still remains relevant, students today now have much more to consider. They need to ask themselves “How will my university experience help me to compete in the graduate job market or start my own business?”  

In other words, they need to ask the question to universities: “What else can you offer me besides a degree?”

Here is what I think you should look for when choosing a university in 2016:

1. Work experience and volunteering opportunities

Work experience and volunteering will be crucial in proving to employers that you have the attitudes and aptitude needed to work for them. According to High Fliers Graduate Market research, almost half of the top 100 graduate employers say that, while a third of graduate vacancies are filled by people who did internships with them, applicants without work experience are unlikely to be successful.

Helen Alkin, head of future talent recruitment at Marks & Spencer told me recently that first and foremost they are looking for well-rounded candidates with a range of experience that they can draw on at interview stage.

Universities are now placing an increasing emphasis on work experience opportunities. Ask at any university fairs you attend what about the opportunities they could offer you to meet employers and connect with local charities for volunteering.

2. Opportunities for international experiences

Around 400,000 students graduated from university courses last year but very few of those will have lived, studied or worked abroad. These experiences are very highly valued by potential employers as they show the candidate is enterprising and unafraid of being placed outside their comfort zone.

They also help students develop an awareness of different cultural businesses practices and sharpen those all-important language skills. Take a look and see whether the universities that you are considering offer opportunities like these.

Hamburg University, Germany
Hamburg University, Germany Credit: Rex

It is worth noting that there are currently no plans to change UK students’ access to popular schemes like Erasmus following the Brexit vote so do continue to take full advantage of opportunities like this. Think about where you would want to go and the costs involved.

According to research by HSBC, Germany is the least expensive study abroad destination and has the advantage of being an important business hub with a range of employment and training opportunities for young people. However, any destination you pick will offer exciting opportunities for adventure and new experiences.

3. University links with industry partners and professional bodies

More and more universities and higher education organisations are now working with employers when delivering degrees. A recent survey found that 75 per cent of businesses would be willing to play a greater role in supporting careers advice, and more and more universities are now taking them up on this offer.

careers advice
Seek advice, if you need it

Pearson Business School works with major employers who advises us on the format of courses and offers internships to students. This means that students are more likely to graduate job ready and less likely to show short comings in the all-important self-management and industry awareness skills.

4. Incubator facilities and engagement with start-up communities

Most graduates aim to work for large companies. However, the vast majority of university leavers start by working for small and medium sized firms, particularly those living outside London. Many universities now have programmes that connect graduates with local SMEs.

For example, the University of Leeds was voted Entrepreneurial University of the year in 2015 in recognition of their support for student entrepreneurship and their engagement with SMEs. Universities like Nottingham, Loughborough and Lincoln have also been recognised for their relationships with start-ups.

University of Leeds
University of Leeds

It would be worth investigating whether universities you are considering offer access to these relationships. Johnny Luk, CEO of the National Association for Colleges and University Entrepreneurs, urges prospective students to look for active business, investor or investment societies on campus.

Or better yet, if they don’t have one, why not set one up?

5. Varied provision of extracurricular activities

As well as being fun and helping you make friends, participation in sports, debating, drama and other extra-curricular activities really does count when it comes to the graduate job hunt. Make sure your potential university has an active campus with plenty to take part in.

Sussex University is particularly strong in this respect and offers over 100 on-campus societies while a number of other institutions – Warwick, Northumbria and Newcastle are also particularly strong in this area.  

Frances Trought is head of student talent development at Pearson Business School

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