APPENDIX 34
Memorandum by Kay Swain of the University
of Wolverhampton
GENERAL
— Huge market with sizable middle
class, who value UK qualifications and have the wealth to afford
it.
— Lots of opportunities for UK
HEI's in India for student recruitment and collaborative links
and joint research—broadly comparable qualifications and
good English Language levels is advantageous.
— Predominantly a post-graduate
market but some opportunities for full and top-up undergraduate
courses. Most popular subjects for UoW: Business (MBA), IT, Engineering,
Biotechnology, Health (MPH), Hospitality Management, and Sports
Science.
— We are successful particularly
in Punjab (due partly to large local Punjabi community) and Kerala.
We are also currently strengthening our links with the Gujarat
region where we also have large local links. A Our Chancellor,
Lord Paul is of Punjabi origins and has strong connections with
India.
— Due to increased competition,
however, we are moving more into second/third tier cities.
— Our confidence in the market
is demonstrated in the fact we have just established an office
in New Delhi.
— We have a good network of agents,
which is imperative for student recruitment.
— We need to prepare for future
developments. Will India become a regional hub for other Asian
countries? Will India follow the example of Malaysia?
LINKS WITH
INDUSTRY
— We believe there is potential
to develop technology supported learning and E-commerce for both
higher education and industry. Industry would benefit from not
just attaining improved technical skills but also from acquiring
more developed cross-cultural awareness of work place practices
which would equip staff better for working in an international
context.
— Need for more Employment related
qualifications. Need UK/India employer forum to identify industrial
skill sets for the next five to 10 years, in order to inform curriculum
development.
— Some HE institutions are already
offering on-line, teleconference supported delivery.
— As a vocationally orientated
institution we deal with a huge number of international companies
based in the UK that are likely to have offices in India and feel
that work placement exchanges of students could enhance and promote
industrial opportunities between UK and India.
— It would be useful for universities
to be more closely linked with professional industrial organisations.
— As a University looking at enhancing
the student learning experience we are actively engaged in using
new technologies and are currently looking at the use of PDA's
and their role in supporting students. This in turn could also
be developed in the business community providing various opportunities
to work more smartly and efficiently.
— There seems to be evidence coming
from businessmen in Bangalore that there is a huge shortage of
suitably qualified graduates to fill positions in the IT industry.
— From our experience Indian students
value degree type qualifications. We would welcome any DTI findings
on the viability of short term technical or other training courses.
— Huge need for scholarships—putting
back? Government scholarships for joint research, student placement,
staff exchange in technical subjects would nurture and promote
bilateral cooperation for investment and innovative business practice.
VISAS/WORK
PERMITS
— Visas—UK seen as difficult.
Competitor countries offering on-line applications, opportunities
to obtain settled status on graduation. (BUT Home Office looking
at these issues as part of the JET process).
— Deposits—although no requirement
in Immigration Rules, in practice students unlikely to be successful
in visa application unless paid a deposit of least 50% of fee
(around £4,000).
— Fresh Talent Initiative having
adverse affect on Non-Scottish UK Universities.
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