West Midlands University hits back at ‘pointless’ degree course jibe

A degree course branded “pointless” by Suella Braverman produces “exceptionally high-quality” graduates who help generate billions of pounds for the economy, the university running it has said.

The University of Birmingham said it was proud to offer a golf management course after Reform UK’s education spokesperson singled it out as an example of a so-called Mickey Mouse degree.

On Thursday, Ms Braverman told young people getting their GCSE results not to “waste your time studying for a pointless degree at a mediocre university”.

Asked to give an example of the degrees Reform would crack down on if it was in government, she pointed to gender studies and golf course studies.

She told reporters: “Whether it’s gender studies, whether it’s golf course studies, I think I’ve seen there’s not a necessity. There’s not a value in many of these degrees.

“Now I know that might be uncomfortable to those people who have those qualifications, but the reality is you’ve got to ask yourself: what are your graduate outcomes looking like?”

Hitting back at her comments, the University of Birmingham said all of its students get a high-quality academic education.

A spokesperson said: “We are very proud of working with the Professional Golfers’ Association to provide world-leading education opportunities.

“Our courses are based at our Edgbaston campus and the PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry and have produced exceptionally high-quality alumni.

“Graduates from the course have gone on to to lead and manage brands, organisations and major competitions and in doing so have helped shape the £5.1 billion UK golf industry for more than two decades.

“Our university is one of the most consistently sought-after universities by the UK’s top graduate employers, and every student at the University of Birmingham receives both a high-quality academic education and the support to thrive in the world of work.”