In 2020 the United Kingdom will experience a change in its economy, a scenario brought about their exit from the European Union. In anticipation of this, what measures have UK universities put in place for this? This write-up provides you with information on the possible complications UK universities could experience and how they hope to curtail these challenges in the coming year.
The challenge of supplies
Nothing is set in stone as negotiations on the Brexit remain at headlock and with little media coverage. The no-deal looms over negotiations with UK universities already experiencing Brexit effects. If the United Kingdom exits without a deal, the result is a shortage of essential supplies which universities need, such as toilet paper, chemicals, drugs, food, and many other essentials.
In response to the possible shortage of supplies, universities in the United Kingdom have begun to stockpile supplies. Most educational institutions with teaching hospitals have established necessary negotiations with pharmaceutical and medical suppliers, with the parties reaching an agreement that should see these supplies available in the event of a no-deal Brexit or other.
The dwindling number of EU students applicants and funding
The low recruiting rates for EU students was to be expected. With Brexit almost upon us, student applicants from surrounding EU nations have dwindled dramatically. This loss in EU nationals isn’t only restricted to student members but also includes tertiary institution’s staff. The last quarter of 2019 saw UK educational institutions lose both their EU staff members and prospective EU staff members. Many of which left for rivalry educational institutions outside the United Kingdom.
Several online educational aids have data to support this reduction in EU students. The ratio of UK nationals to EU nationals increases, as more of the former flock to online aids such as coursework writing service UK and other writing services. A situation brought by the increased acceptance of more UK students, as educational institutions hope to meet their admissions quota. Ongoing reports also show that relations between some UK tertiary institutions and their partners outside the UK have suffered a tremendous strain. Many of which have been terminated or experienced unsatisfactory changes.
Universities in the UK will also lose funding from both the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programs. Though this has a twist to it, legislations have been put in place to soften the effects of such an occurrence. In the case of the Erasmus+ program, EU students currently studying in the UK wouldn’t be affected, regardless of the outcome of the result of negotiations on deadline day. Though if a no-deal Brexit were to be the result, new EU nationals studying in the UK after deadline day won’t be eligible for Erasmus+.
Recognition of qualifications
The mutual recognition of professional qualifications (MRPQ), a system that sees professionals use their qualifications to practice in EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, would be scrapped. In its place would come a new system if the no-deal Brexit happens. Though all parties involved in MRPQ will continue to recognize all qualifications acquired before Brexit but not after. The later will fall under the review of the new MRPQ rules in place.
Aid from the government
UK universities aren’t alone in the struggle to ensure Brexit doesn’t hit the tertiary educational system hard. Multiple spokespersons have affirmed the government stance to help retain the UK’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of science. The government hinted during a program in works that could replace EU funded programs such as the Erasmus+.
Final Thoughts
Though not entirely ready for the aftermath of Brexit, the majority of UK universities have sufficient countermeasures in place to still function effectively in the event of a no-deal. Their proficiency in planning brought about praise and admiration from government spokespersons. The measures put in place by educational Institutions and the UK government should suffice to see the nation’s educational sector should still be a powerhouse.
