Universities are autonomous from government, and consequently control the criteria used to determine admissions. We are aware that the Russell Group, which comprises 24 of the UK\u2019s leading universities, publishes guidance designed to assist applicants in identifying the A level subjects most likely to facilitate entry to one of their member universities. From engagement with the Russell Group, we understand they are currently reviewing their guidance. The department recognises the importance of arts subjects, including music, and students\u2019 ability to make informed choices is at the heart of our recent reforms to higher education. We are increasing the information available to students to ensure they can make informed choices about what and where to study.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4169", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Viscount Younger of Leckie"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-12-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-12-03T11:53:35.27Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities: Admissions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions the Department for Education is having with the Russell Group of universities regarding adding music to their list of facilitating subjects.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4171", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Black of Brentwood"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Black of Brentwood"} ], "uin" : "HL11550"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1010125", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1010125/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We have made clear in the recent political agreement (published on 14 November) that the UK remains committed to continued cooperation with the EU on education. In the attached government white paper, \u2018The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union[1]\u2019, we also set out our desire to facilitate mobility for students and young people, enabling them to continue to benefit from world leading universities and the cultural experiences the UK and EU Member States \u2013 including France \u2013 have to offer.<\/p>
With the caveat that \u201cnothing is agreed until everything is agreed\u201d, in principle the UK will continue to benefit from all EU programmes, including Erasmus+, until the end of the current budget plan, and applications should continue as normal. The UK is also open to exploring participation in the successor scheme to the current Erasmus+ Programme. We welcome the attached proposals for the 2021-2027 successor scheme to Erasmus+ (published on 30 May), and are considering these carefully; we will continue to participate in discussions on these proposals while we remain in the EU. Ultimately, UK participation in the successor programme is a matter for negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.<\/p>