More universities teaching media studies

The number of universities and colleges in Britain that offer degrees in media studies has tripled in the last decade, while the number that teach physics has slumped by almost a third, a think-tank has found, writes Jessica Shepherd for the Guardian.

The Higher Education Policy Institute analysed how universities had changed the subjects they offer undergraduates and postgraduates between 1996 and 2009. The think-tank's report, Institutional Diversity in UK Higher Education, shows that the number of institutions offering media studies degrees spiralled from 37 to 111, and many more provide English, politics and drama degrees than did a decade ago. At the same time, it found scores of universities have stopped offering degrees in physics, chemistry and maths.

The findings have renewed concerns that universities are becoming too driven by the demands of students and are neglecting the country's economic needs.
Full report on the Guardian site