Research to examine the brain drain

5 July 2007

The reasons why many local students choose to go to university outside Northern Ireland, while others remain here to study, are currently being researched.

Concerns have been expressed about the number of young people who leave Northern Ireland to study and who do not return to put their talent and skills to use for the benefit of the local economy.

Commissioned by the Department for Employment and Learning, the research is being undertaken by the University of Ulster. It will examine the decision making process of year 14 pupils in a sample of schools and colleges, to assess the factors underpinning their choice to remain in, or move outside, Northern Ireland for undergraduate study. The research will also look at the choices, and perceptions of choices, of year 12 pupils in relation to further and higher education, training and employment. The findings of the research are expected to be made available by late 2007.

Commenting on this research project, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “Whilst the data appears to suggest that the majority of accepted applicants who leave, do so to take up a place in their preferred choice of region, it is not clear which factors may have influenced their choice of what and where to study. It is hoped that this additional research will provide a better insight into our young people’s choice of study and inform wider considerations regarding the ‘brain drain.

“Employment forecasts suggest that the number of jobs requiring higher education qualifications in Northern Ireland will increase significantly over the next decade. The issue of the ‘brain drain’ is an important one for the Northern Ireland economy which goes beyond my Department and therefore must be part of a wider policy framework. In this context my Department is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Invest Northern Ireland.

“There is also much that can be done by the private sector in helping to address this issue and I welcome current campaigns being delivered by this sector which are encouraging those originally from Northern Ireland, and returning for the summer break, to consider staying long term.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Statistics for 2005/06 indicate that 26% (17,927) of Northern Ireland domiciled students were enrolled in higher education courses in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
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