Less expensive, over-subscribed degree courses should be used to subsidise more expensive science and engineering courses says the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
In its response to the Department for Education and Skills white paper, The future of higher education, the IEE argued that this would encourage students onto such courses, by charging lower or even no fees.

To compensate, said the IEE, universities should be encouraged to deliberately subsidise them by charging more for courses that are less expensive to deliver and are heavily over subscribed, such as law.

The IEE says that this would reflect the government's recognition of the importance of science and engineering. It said in its submission: "Engineering, science and technology courses are comparatively costly and therefore more likely to attract higher fees. This is likely to discourage young people further from applying for science/engineering courses and add to the problem of shortages of qualified people in these areas."

The IEE also stated that the fact that courses leading to chartered engineer status are four years in length means that an increase in fees will have greater financial implications for young people considering a career in the engineering profession.