Getting the grades is great but paying the price for a university place is the next challenge. Some universities say domestic tuition fees have to go up. I think what we need to be clear about is that university fees have been frozen for 10 years now at the 9,250 level. So obviously in the current environment that's extremely difficult for universities to be able to you know, to be able to fund all the activities that we do so, it's a really sort of tricky time. There's been media reports today of 24,000-pound fees I mean I think that nobody in the sector is really seriously talking about that level of increase, but you know potentially around 12,000 or so but again we do need to sort of really think about what level is right and what is the right mix to ensure a really vibrant and viable system. Tuition fees have risen since 1998 from one thousand pounds they trebled in 2006, and trebled again in 2012 to just below where they are today. Earlier this year the government put a price cap on tuition fees setting it at 9,250 pounds for the next two years, but some universities say that means that for every home student they take they're making a loss of more than 1,700 pounds and that by 2024 that loss more than doubles to 4,000.
But there is already significant financial pressure for students as prices for them as for everyone continue to rise. From rent to bills to food student finance can cover fees and there are maintenance loans to help with living costs but Danielle a third-year student says the prospect of ending up with so much debt is already making people think twice. People just think is this worth my degree like is my degree worth this much money? Even if tuition fees might go up but it's the maintenance loan that also would need to kind of reflect that as well because a lot of the time that's what people struggle with especially with the cost-of-living crisis.
“some unis are already taking on record numbers”
No domestic tuition fee hike may mean more overseas students according to some university bosses they already pay more than double and some unis are already taking on record numbers. But the department of education says it's a myth that UK students will miss places as a result there's no comment from them about addressing the price cap issue.
Catherine Vertotsi, Sky News.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Watch and summarize the video thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or false – University fees have not increased for the last 10 years. T/F
b) True or False – Universities will increase their fees to 24000 pounds. T/F
c) True or False – Some universities are making a loss on domestic students. T/F
d) True or False – International students are not interested in studying in the UK anymore. T/F
Part 3: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary
a) "Tricky" (0:28 min)
b) "Price cap" (1:01 min)
c) "Maintenance loans" (1:34 min)
d) "Tuition fee hike" (2:08 min)
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:12 - 0:19 minutes) I think _____________________________________________________________________9,250 level.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:28 - 1:44 minutes) From rent to bills to ______________________________________________________making people think twice.
c) Fill in the blanks (1:52 - 2:08 minutes) Even if tuition fees ______________________________________________________ especially with the cost-of-living crisis.
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
Scenario 1: Tuition Fee Negotiation
In this scenario, two students are negotiating with a university administrator over proposed tuition fee increases. One student argues that fees should remain frozen at the current level, while the other argues that the university needs to raise fees in order to maintain its activities.
Scenario 2: Student Debt Management
In this scenario, a student meets with a financial advisor to discuss strategies for managing student debt. The advisor recommends strategies such as creating a budget, applying for scholarships, and seeking part-time work to help cover living expenses.
Scenario 3: University Support Services
In this scenario, a student meets with a university counselor to discuss their mental health concerns. The counselor recommends resources such as support groups and therapy services to help the student manage stress and improve their well-being. The counselor also discusses the university's obligation to provide support services for students in need.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Do you plan on taking any further education courses or work related certificates? why or why not? what will you study?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - University fee price cap.
Objective: Debate the following statement:
There should be no price cap on university fees.
Team A supports this statement and team B opposes it.
In groups talk about the pros and cons of this statement, then come back as a class and reach a consensus of the best strategy for university fees in your country.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
This video was created by Sky News, a UK news channel, and they are reporting on the potential increase in university fees. One boss proposes that it is inevitable as fees have been frozen for almost ten years now and universities are struggling with rising costs. The reporter interviews university bosses who are calling for tuition fees for UK students to rise so they can reduce their financial dependence on overseas students. But the report proposes that hiking fees is likely to be an unpopular decision due to the current cost of living crisis. The reporter talks with one third-year student who states that people are already thinking twice about going to university because of high fees and the prospect of ending up in too much debt. Finally, the report talks about the impact it is having on international students as universities could potentially give more places to international students as they pay higher fees.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: False C: True D: False
Part 3: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases
a) "Tricky" Answer: I think this means to be difficult or awkward because in the video the university boss talks about the difficulties that universities are now facing in the current economic climate.
b) "Price cap" Answer: I think this means to put a limit on how much university fees can be because in the video the speaker talks about how fees have been frozen, and the 2-year price cap will mean universities can’t charge more and could make a loss on domestic students.
c) "Maintenance loans" Answer: I think this is an additional loan that students can get to help with day-to-day costs such as rent, or food because in the video the student talks about needing to secure a higher loan to help with the cost-of-living crisis. This means that students would need more money to help pay for daily necessities.
d) "Tuition fee hike" Answer: I think a tuition fee hike means to suddenly increase the amount or cost of student fees because in the video they state that if there isn’t a dramatic increase in domestic student fees then universities will take in more international students to help cover the cost.
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:12 - 0:19 minutes) I think what we need to be clear about is that university fees have been frozen for 10 years now at the 9,250 level.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:28 - 1:44 minutes) From rent to bills to food student finance can cover fees and there are maintenance loans to help with living costs but Danielle, a third-year student says the prospect of ending up with so much debt is already making people think twice.
c) Fill in the blanks (1:52 - 2:08 minutes) Even if tuition fees might go up but it's the maintenance loan that also would need to kind of reflect that as well because a lot of the time that's what people struggle with especially with the cost-of-living crisis.
Part 7: Writing (example)
As a new graduate working in an engineering company, I plan to take a special English course called the OPIc certificate. This is important for me because it will help me speak English better, which is needed in my job. Many engineers work with people from different countries, so speaking English well is very useful. Also, I want to work in other countries in the future, and this certificate will show that I can speak English well. This will help me get better job opportunities and work on interesting projects around the world. So, studying for this English certificate is a big goal for me now.
