UK Government Considers Capping Creative Arts University Places

The UK Treasury, under Boris Johnson, is considering limiting student numbers in creative arts and other low-earning degree programs as part of spending review negotiations. The move stems from concerns that graduates with lower salaries are less likely to repay their student loans, which reached £140 billion in 2020. University regulators have already confirmed a 50% cut in funding for arts subjects, a move described as "catastrophic" by artists and musicians. Internal sources told The Guardian that the Department for Education is exploring ways to restrict numbers in specific subjects, particularly creative arts, by introducing new minimum A-level requirements. Social mobility experts warn this would disproportionately affect less affluent students who cannot access older, prestigious universities. University vice-chancellors have reacted angrily, warning of arbitrary judgments about which courses to cut and the impact on the cultural and creative industries. DataHE, a university admissions consultancy, calculated that freezing places at 2019 pre-pandemic levels would prevent about a third of young people from attending university by 2030. Government spokespeople denied any current caps but stated it is the government's responsibility to promote education leading to high salaries and economic contribution.