Let unhappy students switch uni, says academic

STUDENTS should be allowed to switch between universities if they are unhappy with their standard of teaching, according to the head of one institution.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, the principal of Glasgow University, said the move could improve standards as universities competed for the funding that comes with each individual student.

As the squeeze on public spending started to bite, it could also help improve value for money, he added.

Prof Muscatelli said: "In teaching, we do not compete, except for postgraduate and international students, and I think there should be some element of competition to allow the best universities to attract more students and to get more funding from it.

"At a time when public funding is getting tighter, I think it is going to be important for the Scottish Government, as the biggest purchaser of education, to ensure there is value for money and that students are obtaining the education they desire."

The ability to switch universities in the first and second years of study would benefit those offering the best student experience, he said.