Higher Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) Subjects

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have today called for immediate action to ensure enough young people study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Without this the Government risks failing to meet its objectives to drive economic growth through education and hi-tech industries as identified in its Plan for Growth. A high level of numeracy is of increasing importance to employers particularly in hi-tech industries. The Committee were shocked to discover that many students starting STEM degrees, even those with A-Level maths qualifications, lack the maths skills required to undertake their studies. The Committee recommends that maths should be compulsory for all students post-16. They also call on universities to toughen up their maths requirements for entry in STEM courses.Other recommendations in the report include: (i) The Government should work with stakeholders to define STEM by producing a statement of competencies and skills; (ii) A single body should be appointed to provide real time data analysis and a commentary of where STEM shortages exist; (iii) The recent higher education reforms put students at the heart of the system in order to drive up quality.