Principal's Column

Earlier in the year the University was credited with having the highest graduate earnings of 'any university north of Oxford'. This is undoubtedly linked to the number of our students - 70% of the total - who graduate into the professions. It is therefore vitally important that, as an institution, we keep a close eye on the changing nature of the professions and professionalism.

The recent visits from the General Dental Council, the professional regulatory bodies for architecture and the US accreditation bodies in nurse education have also reinforced the strengths of our current teaching provision and the importance of maintaining programmes of learning for the professions that combine the requirement for basic knowledge and understanding with technical skills and the professionals’ ‘tool kit’ which has to include an understanding of the ethical basis of practice, excellent communications skills and a capacity for self directed learning. One way or another these programmes and our wider learning and teaching provision have been under scrutiny in the recent, highly successful enhancement led institutional review. The University can be proud of its work in preparing professionals for practice, the expertise of our staff and the part that our graduates play in the economic, social and cultural development of the country.

Working in the 21st century professions is tough and challenging. The essential elements of a recognisable code of ethics, a system of self regulation and a sense of vocation remain but there is now a much stronger emphasis on professional accountability shaped by third party regulation, market forces and a tough regime of standards, performance monitoring and mandatory continuing professional development. The old professionalism of paternalism and the blind trust of clients, patients, pupils and customers is gone forever. The new professionals have to reflect the broad sweep of modern society and the social, ethnic and economic mix of the communities they serve. The introduction of variable fees in England may create a new barrier for those wanting to enter the professions, especially those who will not qualify for the full £3,000 support. It is for this reason that I have been asked by the UK government to examine how employers and the professions can sustain and improve recruitment opportunities for graduates and to ensure that universities, professional bodies and employers provide clear accessible gateways for those who want to pursue a professional career. I welcome thoughts, ideas and insights from the staff and students of the University who are grappling with these issues on a day to day basis. Recruiting students on merit and potential into the professions and our wider programmes of study is a key issue for the country as a whole and will continue to be part of the winning formula in Dundee.

Finally, I am learning that the first few months of the academic year are often the toughest and most challenging for the staff and students of the University and I hope that you will all enjoy a well earned Christmas break with your friends and family. My thanks for all that you do.

Alan Langlands
December 2004