University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor responds to new report on the value of a university degree

Earlier this week saw the release of a report from the Policy Exchange think tank on the value of a university degree. Our President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah has responded:

“I, along with colleagues across the university sector, were dismayed to read a report which claimed universities are not worth attending. It is right that students, policymakers and the general public should challenge the higher education sector on its record, but a balanced conversation about our universities should also recognise what they provide the next generation that few others can.

“The debate around the value of a degree is an important one, and universities must continue to evolve to meet the needs of students, employers and society. The future of higher education is not about choosing between academic learning and employability. Students deserve both.

“At the University of Leicester, we are responding with action.

“From 2026, every undergraduate student will complete at least 100 hours of employer-informed work-related learning, embedded directly into their degree, helping students build practical experience, confidence and future-ready skills before they graduate. 

“We have also announced a collaboration with Microsoft to provide Microsoft 365 Copilot access for all students and staff, making Leicester one of the UK’s first Microsoft Frontier Universities and ensuring AI literacy becomes part of the student experience for everyone, not just a privileged few. 

“And 2025 data from HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) has also shown that University of Leicester graduates are holding their own in the job market, as 76.2% of Leicester’s 2023 graduates have positive outcomes 15 months after completing studies, with more than 77% of them securing highly skilled roles.

“It is also important that conversations about higher education reflect the full picture.

“As Universities UK highlighted this week, graduates remain significantly less likely to be unemployed than non-graduates, and graduate earnings remain higher on average over a lifetime. Universities also contribute far beyond salary metrics alone, through research, innovation, public service, arts, culture and social mobility.

“A balanced conversation matters.

“The real challenge for universities is not defending the past, but shaping the future, ensuring students leave with the skills, experiences and adaptability needed for a rapidly changing world.

“At Leicester, that is exactly what we are focused on doing.”