The document discusses the debate around whether university is worth it given the high tuition fees in the UK. While degrees are still necessary for careers like medicine, law, and architecture, other careers can now be pursued through apprenticeships or other training. The high costs of university have led many students, especially those from less wealthy backgrounds, to opt for more vocational courses or reconsider their plans to attend university altogether. There is an ongoing discussion around the value of a degree for careers that do not explicitly require one.

1. University – Opt In or Opt Out
By Jess Wolckenhaar
An increase in university places at top institutions and the persistently high tuition fees,
is university still worth it for careers not requiring a degree?
This year’s A Level results took a surprising turn when those unfortunate students, who
missed their predicted grades, applied for Clearing. However, they soon became the lucky
ones, as top universities such as, Durham, UCL, Kings and Nottingham had a vast amount of
vacancies on a variety of courses, which Clearing students could take full advantage of.
Because of the high tuition fees and the considerable time it takes for this to be translated into
higher earnings , younger students have learnt from the older students (and their bank
balances) that perhaps university isn’t the be all and end all. Yet, what about the careers for
which a degree is mandatory? Aspiring doctors need a degree in their profession.
Successive governments wished to see more young people enter higher education which
necessitated charging tuition fees and subsequently their increase to £9,000. This, of course,
does not include the cost of accommodation, food, books and socialising. Although a
maintenance grant or loan, depending on parental income, goes some way to cover this
expenditure, there is still a shortfall which must either be filled by employment or the bank of
Mum and Dad. Some subjects, for example nursing, have now become degree courses when
formerly such vocations were studied "on the job".
Nevertheless, some careers can still be pursued through other means. There are various paths
available for those wishing to train as a solicitor with some candidates choosing to enrol on
legal executive courses as a way in. It can be argued, however, that for those wishing to
reach the pinnacle of their profession, such as top barristers, a law degree is invaluable, not
just for the skills acquired at university but also valuable networking with like-minded
individuals.
In recent months, apprenticeships have hit the headlines. It is felt that school leavers and
students alike do not have the skills required by employers. An apprentice can learn the
relevant skills on the job and also study part-time for a degree, funded by his or her employer.
A win-win solution?
The introduction of tuition fees and the high cost of living have led students from less
wealthy backgrounds to reconsider their plans for university or, at least to opt for more
vocational courses which might be more likely to lead to improved employment prospects.

2. Highly rated universities are now competing for students. Should all other non law,
architecture and medicine students, abstain from the university path and climb the career
ladder instead?
Why incur debts of £27,000+ and still graduate at the same level as those who had chosen the
career path instead. Or from an employer’s perspective, will the degree forever hold a certain
‘cream of the crop’ title for its title-holder?