SOUTHAMPTON Itchen MP John Denham has called for a rethink on higher education, suggesting that a change to three-year degree courses should be considered to meet the needs of businesses.

Speaking at a debate on reimagining higher education Mr Denham, a former business minister, questioned the existing university model of a system based on the 18-year-old student studying a three- or four-year degree away from home and running up huge debts, almost half of which are unlikely to be repaid. He argued for more options, such as a two-year intensive degree and more flexible learning options. Mr Denham said: “The opportunities for older students, those who need or want to reduce costs by studying from home, or those who want to be supported by an employer, are shrinking and, in their own way, damaging social mobility and the economy.

“This might not matter if higher education was delivering what students and employers want but, despite the growth in graduate numbers, there are few signs that employers are becoming more satisfied with the supply of graduates.”

Southampton Solent vice chancellor Prof Graham Baldwin said a consensus from employers on what they wanted from graduates across industries was difficult to achieve.

UK Business Development Director for BAE Systems Maritime Brian Johnson, who was also speaking at the event hosted by the university at the Sir James Matthews building, noted that recruiters in business and industry are far more interested in identifying well-rounded graduates with leadership and management skills, rather than purely focusing on qualifications and the institutions they are awarded from.

Mr Baldwin said this was borne out by Solent University data, which showed that three years after graduating, career achievement and the pay of alumni compares favourably with sector averages.