Statement regarding Come Clean on Hidden Costs Campaign
A spokesperson from the University of Sheffield said:
"The University fully supports the "Come Clean on Hidden Costs" campaign currently being run by the National Union of Students which calls on universities to commit to absorbing all essential costs within the new tuition fees.
"At Sheffield, this issue was considered in early 2011 as part of the 2012 fee-setting process and following close discussions with last year's Students' Union officers, the University of Sheffield reviewed which additional costs would in future be included in the £9,000 annual tuition fee. This was to ensure students didn't feel caught out by any 'hidden fees'.
"The University therefore decided that if an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for a course, it will be included in the tuition fee.
Examples of compulsory elements may include:
• residential and non-residential field trips, visits and theatre trips, where they are compulsory for your course
• professional accreditation exams and membership of regulatory bodies – where they are a core requirement of your course
• lab equipment and other items required for compulsory research projects
• any special materials for producing course work, if required by your department
The total cost of these commitments would be at least £200,000 in 2012, money which the University is happy to commit in order to ensure that students entering the University in 2012 receive significant value for their money.
"This information is published online at the link below."
Thom Arnold, President of the Students' Union at the University of Sheffield, said:
"We welcome the fact that the University of Sheffield is leading the way in its approach to include all essential costs in its £9,000 annual tuition fee.
"Studying for a degree is a big investment and it's great that the University is taking these steps to lessen the financial pressure on students.The University of Sheffield prides itself on providing a world class education which is worthy of that investment."
Notes for Editors: For further information please contact: The University of Sheffield's Media Team, on 0114 2229852 or email mediateam@sheffield.ac.uk