Rapper Stormzy has inspired radical proposals to reinvent higher education.
Advisors at the Department for Education read about Stormzy receiving an honorary degree from Exeter University and about Sheffield Hallam university giving an honorary degree to Geri Halliwell.
The experts noted that neither Stormzy nor Geri had been to university, but that both had subsequently received honorary degrees to recognise their contributions to society. This makes it clear that you don't need to go to lectures - or even uni - to get a prestigious degree.
This suggested a whole new model of higher education in which students by-pass university entirely and go straight into work or do whatever they want to do. Then, after, say, ten years, they would apply to a university for a degree, listing their achievements, explaining what they have learned from life, and providing supporting evidence.
Universities could easily process applications for, say, £500, although Oxford and Cambridge will probably need £2,500. Students would then have their prior learning assessed and a degree awarded, giving them the chance to attend a moderately dull and unnecessarily long graduation ceremony, and to put BA after their name. Or BA Oxon and BA Cantab if you paid the extra.
The scheme would be a massive boost to the UK economy - an extra three years work from every student diverted from uni, most university staff released to do productive work in Poundland and charity shops, and degrees genuinely awarded on merit.
The only downside is that university Vice-Chancellors will find it even harder to justify their massive salaries.
Image: McElspeth - Pixabay
