News

STATEMENT: Durham University not in Russell Group fees plan

(20 March 2003)

University of Durham took steps today to clarify media reports that it is among universities calling for tuition fees of up to £4,000.

In some of the coverage of the Education Secretary’s remark to the Commons Education Select Committee that the Russell Group of older universities wanted to be allowed to introduce higher charges, Durham was listed among Group members. The University today issued the following statement.

Durham University is not a member of the Russell Group and is not involved in a request for the fees ceiling of £4,000. Durham has made no plans or decisions on tuition fees. The University, in full cooperation with Durham’s Student Union, is continuing to consider all the implications of funding for research and teaching and related activities in light of the Government’s White Paper.

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Note to Editors/Education Correspondents:

Durham has been periodically listed among members of the Russell Group, and we have had to point out this error before. Although Durham is a research-led institution and shares other features with Russell Group members, it is not involved in the Group’s discussions and lobbying. In view of the topical and very sensitive issue of fees, we are particularly concerned that this latest mishap is very misleading to potential applicants.

University of Durham, Public Relations, Tel: 0191 374 2947.