Latest news with #WendyLarner
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Committee warns Welsh universities in 'precarious position'
This statement comes after an evidence session with leaders of all nine Welsh universities, focusing on their finances and the challenges they face. Concerns raised include declining admissions from Welsh young people, decreasing international student numbers, and tuition fees that are failing to keep pace with inflation. The committee, chaired by Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn, stressed the need for "funding security and long-term policy stability." They are urging the UK Government to re-evaluate how universities are supported, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, to ensure a sustainable future for higher education institutions. The committee also noted the significant role universities play in the Industrial Strategy, which acknowledges their contributions to skills and innovation. Professor Wendy Larner from Cardiff University described the situation as "an existential moment for universities," adding that they "need to be different for the future." Professor Paul Boyle CBE from Swansea University highlighted the difficulty of achieving financial sustainability within the current system, saying it "does not lend itself to that sustainability." The committee emphasised the unsustainability of the current system and called for action from the UK Government and its Welsh Government partners as part of "promised major reforms for higher education." They believe addressing these issues is crucial for the economic and civic well-being of communities across Wales.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Wales Online
The best and worst universities for accommodation ranked by students
The best and worst universities for accommodation ranked by students Bangor was top in Wales at 12th - but one Welsh university ranked 95th Student accommodation in Bangor has been ranked the best in Wales (Image: Bangor University ) The best universities for accommodation have been ranked from student reviews. With students paying an average £139 to £341 a week and far more in London it's a major consideration when applying or preparing to go to university. Last week Cardiff University Vice Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner told a Senedd committee the number one reason students give for not choosing her institution is accommodation. On the latest Uni Compare rankings, out this week, Cardiff comes 95th out of 100 universities compared on accommodation and no Welsh university was in the top 10. Bangor takes the crown for best university accommodation in Wales and 12th out of 100 in the UK. Bangor is followed by Cardiff Met and Swansea comes third. Uni Compare based the rankings on what is says are 28,430 verified student reviews. Rankings were based on considerations such ash modern facilities, good locations, and strong campus communities. The reviews listing is based on reviews of student halls and off-site accommodation. Here we look at how UK universities for student accommodation in 2026, according to Uni Compare's latest student-led review rankings. Article continues below Best university for accommodation in Wales Figures have the UK rank and comparison to last year in brackets. Wrexham is not included in the list Bangor (12 = +17 places) Cardiff Metropolitan (28= +8 places) Swansea University (33 = -6 places) Aberystwyth (52= +16 places) University of Wales Trinity St David (55 =+39 places) University of South Wales (69 +17 places) Royal; Welsh College of Music and Drama (79=+54 places) Cardiff (95 = -43 places) UK's Top 10 Universities For Accommodation 2026 according to Uni Compare Edge Hill University Liverpool John Moores University Newcastle University University of Liverrpool; University of Lincoln Middlesex University University of Derby University of Salford University of Sheffield University of Surrey Uni Compare said: "The 2026 rankings represent the culmination of 28,430 verified student reviews and ratings collected across 209 universities. "Since the platform's inception, Uni Compare has amassed 151,805 reviews and ratings, creating one of the UK's largest student-led review databases focused solely on the university experience. "Uni Compare's methodology combines student feedback collected through their website and mobile app with verification processes, including CAPTCHA checks and IP monitoring to maintain authenticity. Article continues below "The platform uses a hybrid scoring system that weighs both average ratings and review volume, giving greater statistical reliability to institutions with larger sample sizes." The full listing can be seen here.
Western Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Cardiff University cuts ‘could be repeated,' Senedd hears
Wendy Larner, president and vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, appeared before the Senedd's education committee on June 12 as part of an inquiry on higher education. She told Senedd members universities face an existential moment and the financial headwinds 'continue to blow strongly'. Prof Larner said it is an enormously challenging time for the higher education sector – 'not just here in Wales but in the UK and, indeed, globally'. Patrick Younge, chair of council, warned universities do not have a viable business model, with a tuition-fee freeze costing Cardiff £24m more than its competitors from 2017 to 2024. He said: 'If you don't address the fundamentals, all of the Welsh universities will be going through this year on year on year because income is not rising and expense inevitably rises.' Prof Larner said January's 'academic futures' document – which initially included a target to cut 400 jobs – was the beginning of a genuine consultation. The vice-chancellor confirmed the final plan includes retaining nursing, music and modern languages albeit with smaller cohorts and new models. She told the committee the initial target was scaled back to 220, with 151 academic staff leaving voluntarily: 'This leaves a final reduction of 69 full-time equivalents… by 2029/30. Compulsory redundancies are always a last resort.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, questioned the wisdom in proposing changes only to backtrack, 'with resulting damage to staff morale'. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, pressed the witnesses about the university's plans to open a new campus in Kazakhstan while making cuts at home. Prof Larner replied: 'Transnational education is part of the future for UK universities.' On staff welfare, Prof Larner said: 'We have seen… a little change in stress-related data. As is always the case, the majority of that… refers to personal, not workplace stress. 'But I absolutely understand the challenge here…. I take the well-being of our staff very seriously: this is not easy, change is really difficult.' She criticised the University and College Union for 'blindsiding' the university by going to the press with concerns about a 'total health and safety crisis'.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff University cuts ‘could be repeated,' Senedd hears
Wendy Larner, president and vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, appeared before the Senedd's education committee on June 12 as part of an inquiry on higher education. She told Senedd members universities face an existential moment and the financial headwinds 'continue to blow strongly'. Prof Larner said it is an enormously challenging time for the higher education sector – 'not just here in Wales but in the UK and, indeed, globally'. Patrick Younge, chair of council, warned universities do not have a viable business model, with a tuition-fee freeze costing Cardiff £24m more than its competitors from 2017 to 2024. He said: 'If you don't address the fundamentals, all of the Welsh universities will be going through this year on year on year because income is not rising and expense inevitably rises.' Prof Larner said January's 'academic futures' document – which initially included a target to cut 400 jobs – was the beginning of a genuine consultation. The vice-chancellor confirmed the final plan includes retaining nursing, music and modern languages albeit with smaller cohorts and new models. She told the committee the initial target was scaled back to 220, with 151 academic staff leaving voluntarily: 'This leaves a final reduction of 69 full-time equivalents… by 2029/30. Compulsory redundancies are always a last resort.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, questioned the wisdom in proposing changes only to backtrack, 'with resulting damage to staff morale'. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, pressed the witnesses about the university's plans to open a new campus in Kazakhstan while making cuts at home. Prof Larner replied: 'Transnational education is part of the future for UK universities.' On staff welfare, Prof Larner said: 'We have seen… a little change in stress-related data. As is always the case, the majority of that… refers to personal, not workplace stress. 'But I absolutely understand the challenge here…. I take the well-being of our staff very seriously: this is not easy, change is really difficult.' She criticised the University and College Union for 'blindsiding' the university by going to the press with concerns about a 'total health and safety crisis'.
South Wales Guardian
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Cardiff University cuts ‘could be repeated,' Senedd hears
Wendy Larner, president and vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, appeared before the Senedd's education committee on June 12 as part of an inquiry on higher education. She told Senedd members universities face an existential moment and the financial headwinds 'continue to blow strongly'. Prof Larner said it is an enormously challenging time for the higher education sector – 'not just here in Wales but in the UK and, indeed, globally'. Patrick Younge, chair of council, warned universities do not have a viable business model, with a tuition-fee freeze costing Cardiff £24m more than its competitors from 2017 to 2024. He said: 'If you don't address the fundamentals, all of the Welsh universities will be going through this year on year on year because income is not rising and expense inevitably rises.' Prof Larner said January's 'academic futures' document – which initially included a target to cut 400 jobs – was the beginning of a genuine consultation. The vice-chancellor confirmed the final plan includes retaining nursing, music and modern languages albeit with smaller cohorts and new models. She told the committee the initial target was scaled back to 220, with 151 academic staff leaving voluntarily: 'This leaves a final reduction of 69 full-time equivalents… by 2029/30. Compulsory redundancies are always a last resort.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, questioned the wisdom in proposing changes only to backtrack, 'with resulting damage to staff morale'. Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, pressed the witnesses about the university's plans to open a new campus in Kazakhstan while making cuts at home. Prof Larner replied: 'Transnational education is part of the future for UK universities.' On staff welfare, Prof Larner said: 'We have seen… a little change in stress-related data. As is always the case, the majority of that… refers to personal, not workplace stress. 'But I absolutely understand the challenge here…. I take the well-being of our staff very seriously: this is not easy, change is really difficult.' She criticised the University and College Union for 'blindsiding' the university by going to the press with concerns about a 'total health and safety crisis'.
