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As Oxbridge marginally lowers the stakes in an attempt to deflect possible pruning of resources leading to diminution of the very fabric of the collegiate tutorial system, one solution might be to rationalise the number of weeks in a three-year degree to 72 at Oxford and 69 at Cambridge.

With a two-year course replacing the current three years, 35-36 weeks over three or four terms a year would still be less than that worked in most secondary schools and a saving of Pounds 35 million could be made. Graduates could take a third year specialised postgraduate course, subject to funds etc.

Non-Oxbridge universities with 90 weeks over three years might then consider offering courses of two and a half years, again with savings for the Exchequer.

R. M. Forrest Cardiff