Future of University Education

Abstract

THE British Association report on Post-War University Education (see NATURE, December 19, 1942) contains some excellent suggestions. The plea for the further extension of residential facilities at the modern universities, for example, is fully justified by experience in the University of Reading, which was a pioneer in this field. Nor will anyone dissent from the Committee's premise that a scientific career should be broadly based upon the “humanities”. One must, however, disagree with the conclusion which is drawn that a study of the “humanities” should be included as an essential part of the university 'honours courses' for science students. All freshmen will, before entering their honours course, have enjoyed some six or seven years of secondary education, and it is in the secondary school that the essential foundations of a general education should have been laid. The period available is ample, if wisely used, to stimulate any intellectual interests of which the student is capable, and of laying a foundation upon which he should be able to develop those interests by leisure reading.