Academic Task 1 Table - 2nd
Question
The table below shows the sources of income for two UK universities in the academic years 2010/11 and 2015/16. The figures are given in millions of pounds sterling (£m).
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
| Source of Income | University of Oxbridge (2010/11) | University of Oxbridge (2015/16) | London Metropolitan University (2010/11) | London Metropolitan University (2015/16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Grants | £320m | £285m | £450m | £390m |
| Tuition Fees | £450m | £680m | £380m | £550m |
| Research Grants | £210m | £255m | £120m | £135m |
| Donations & Endowments | £180m | £205m | £25m | £30m |
| Other Income | £95m | £110m | £75m | £80m |
Write at least 150 words.
The table provides a breakdown of the income sources for the University of Oxbridge and London Metropolitan University in two academic years, 2010/11 and 2015/16. The data is presented in millions of pounds sterling.
Overall, both universities saw their total revenue increase over the five-year period, with tuition fees becoming the most significant source of income for both institutions by 2015/16. This growth occurred despite a notable reduction in funding from government grants for each university.
Focusing on the two largest income streams, there was a clear shift in funding patterns. The University of Oxbridge’s income from tuition fees surged from £450 million to £680 million, solidifying its position as the primary revenue source. Similarly, London Metropolitan University experienced a dramatic rise in tuition fee income, which climbed from £380 million to £550 million. In direct contrast, government grants, which were initially the largest source of funding for London Metropolitan at £450 million, fell to £390 million. Oxbridge also saw a decrease in this area, from £320 million to £285 million.
Regarding the other sources, Oxbridge consistently generated substantially more income from research and donations. Its research grants grew from £210 million to £255 million, while London Metropolitan's increased more modestly from £120 million to £135 million. The most striking difference was in donations and endowments, where Oxbridge's income rose from £180 million to £205 million, dwarfing the figures for London Metropolitan, which only increased from £25 million to £30 million. Both universities also recorded a slight increase in 'Other Income'.