£1.8bn funding gap in higher education review a nasty surprise for English universities

The long-awaited Augar review of higher and further education funding in England could hurt more costly degrees such as science and engineering. The review contains a detailed package of wide-ranging proposals to reform the sector, but if they are adopted the repercussions for universities could be serious as falling tuition fees could result in a sizeable funding shortfall. It is currently unclear – if these recommendations are followed – whether the government would fill this funding gap.