£400m for science and engineering studies
30 Sep 2013
Today the government announced a £400 million investment to boost science and engineering study in English universities.
Universities and science minister David Willetts said the investment will help support those studying science and engineering and has outlined a particular focus on encouraging more women to take up these subjects.
These facilities will help bridge the gender gap that exists
Universities & science minister David Willetts
Currently only 6% of the engineering workforce is female but there are signs of improvement as earlier this month the Institution of Engineering & Technology announced that 19% of the 540 students awarded its Diamond Jubilee Scholarships were female.
“These facilities will help bridge the gender gap that exists and give more incentives for women to retrain as engineers and put their skills to great use,” said Willetts.
Willetts added that he hoped today’s announcement would provide the necessary support for the National Centre for Universities and Business’ (NCUB) ambition to double the amount engineering degrees taken up by women by 2030.
The investment will see £200 million come from government investment with the remaining £200 million being matched by universities. Institutions will be invited to bid for funding against a set of criteria and priorities.
In a reversal of current rules, part-time students and those wishing to retrain in engineering, technology and computer science will also be able eligible to receive some tuition support.
