EducationGuardian.co.uk
UK universities could risk losing lucrative international students as a result of the Bologna process to harmonise university education in Europe, a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute warned today.
The thinktank's report argues that UK universities have recruited overseas students remarkably successfully, but could lose out in an increasingly competitive market.
The Bologna process means that other European countries are providing the bachelors then masters degree structure that was unique to the UK.
"That will erode one of the competitive advantages that we have had," the report warns.
"It is unfair, perhaps, and untrue, but there are concerns about whether the UK is fully committed to the Bologna process. If our competitors succeed in creating an impression of non-Bologna compliance then this could prove damaging even though accusations of non-compliance would be untrue."
The issue of whether UK university degrees comply with Bologna applies particularly to one-year masters courses, which have been seen as a "particular strength and a unique selling point".
"Although there is no doubt that these courses are Bologna-compliant, we are out of step with most European systems, and there are undoubtedly some that are trying to undermine the credibility of our one-year courses.
"It is important that they should not succeed, since these have become a mainstay of our international student recruitment. To lose this market will be hugely damaging to the financial viability of our universities."
Hepi says UK universities have increased their income from overseas students despite a drop in market share because international students see them as giving quality education and because they teach in English and offer relatively short degrees.
But England is one of the most expensive countries in which to study. "UK degrees are marketed as a premium product for a premium price. So far, we have been able to maintain our position, but if price sensitivity becomes an issue, this may not be sustainable," the report warns.
While there is "no immediate threat to our international market" researchers suggest the sector cannot afford to be complacent, particularly given the 8% average income they receive from international student fees, which outweighs the average annual surplus they earn.
Competition from other countries has increased and will continue to do so, the report warns, particularly as the rest of Europe experiences the demographic downturn in the number of students.
The report adds that universities will have to prove the overall quality of what they offer for the shorter study time - to counter the belief that "demands made of UK students are less intensive than in other countries in Europe".
Vice-chancellors played down the risks. Prof Rick Trainor, president of Universities UK, said the quality of UK universities continued to attract international students.
"There is no evidence to suggest that demand from international students is about to wane overnight. Higher education is a growing market worldwide, with predictions that almost 6 million people will be seeking an international higher education experience by 2020.
"UK universities are acutely aware of changing markets and possible fluctuations in student demand and have considerable experience of managing this."
He insisted universities are very much engaged with the Bologna process. "The UK hosted the Bologna Ministerial Summit last year and the sector continues to play an active role in the regular series of Bologna summits and meetings.
"The Bologna Process talks increasingly about the learning outcomes of study rather than measures of duration, and UK qualifications are in line with this. Any direct comparisons between British and continental European higher education qualifications are very difficult due to the lack of reliable data."
The director general of the Russell group of research universities, Dr Wendy Piatt, said: "We fully recognise that sustaining our position in a highly competitive global environment will require continuous improvement and increased support for our world-class universities."
The higher education minister, Bill Rammell, added: "The UK government is fully committed to the Bologna process and strongly supports its aims. We remain confident that programmes on offer at UK universities, including masters programmes, are not under threat from the Bologna process.
"The UK continues to be an attractive place to study, as demonstrated by the increasing numbers of international students who come here to study."
