What are university Mission Groups?

University mission groups are universities united by shared goals, priorities, and characteristics. They act as collective voices, influencing policies, guiding research agendas, and shaping educational strategies on a national scale. 

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, UK university mission groups will play a pivotal role in steering institutions toward excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Understanding the unique characteristics and goals of each mission group allows university applicants to navigate the diverse world of UK higher education. 

However, it should also be noted that there are universities in the top ten of our league tables that do not belong to any mission groups, such as St Andrews, Bath Loughborough and Lancaster. This shows that universities do not need to be part of a collective mission to deliver excellence for their students and their surrounding communities.  

UK University Mission Groups

Russell Group 

The Russell Group is the best known of the mission groups. The Russell Group was formed in 1994 and is now made up of 24 research-intensive universities, with the aim of promoting excellence in research and innovation. It has become synonymous with high entry grades and a focus on cutting-edge research that impacts policy and society, with many schools boasting how many of their students have gone on to study at a Russell Group uni.  

Russell Group Rankings 2024

MillionPlus 

MillionPlus represents a collection of modern universities with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. It was formed to champion the distinctive contributions of its member institutions and when it comes to lobbying government, it focuses on policy issues related to teaching, research, and student success. Recent campaigns have focused on work-related education and the vital role of universities in their local area. 

MillionPlus Rankings 2024

University Alliance 

University Alliance membership includes professional and technical universities that prioritise innovation, industry collaboration, and technical advancement. Member universities pride themselves on courses linked to the NHS and other public services and the commercial sector. The Alliance promotes the importance of universities as drivers of economic growth and societal development through strong ties with industry partners. 

University Alliance Rankings 2024

GuildHE 

GuildHE represents a diverse group of around 60 higher education institutions, from universities and university colleges to further education colleges and specialist institutions — including arts-focused universities. GuildHE shows a commitment to innovation, creativity, and widening access when advocating for the smaller and specialist higher education institutions that form its membership. Member unis and colleges are often specialist providers in subject areas from art, design media and the performing arts, to subjects as wide ranging as agriculture, theology, and health and sports. 

GuildHE Rankings 2024

Cathedrals group 

The Cathedrals Group has 15 member universities, 14 of which were founded by churches. The group encourages its member institutions to collaborate and promotes shared academic and social initiatives with an emphasis on values-based education, ethical leadership, and community engagement, contributing to the wellbeing of society. The Cathedrals Group prides itself in taking a role in the education of the next generation. One in four new primary school teachers, and nearly one in seven new secondary school teachers get their teacher training qualification with a member university, many of which were set up for this purpose by churches as far back as the 1800s. 

Cathedrals Group Rankings 2024

 Are university mission groups controversial?

Some university mission groups can be controversial due to concerns about elitism, unequal resources and the reinforcement of social inequalities – with critics arguing that these groups may make divisions between universities worse. Some fear that mission group affiliations may influence government policies, favouring certain institutions over others and affecting funding, reputation, and opportunities. There is also a debate about whether such mission groups enhance collaboration or contribute to hierarchies and elitism within the higher sector.  

Mission groups have responded to these criticisms by adapting to the evolving educational landscape and have made efforts to promote inclusivity, address social mobility concerns, and engage with the broader spectrum of higher education institutions. 

Do mission groups work together?

Despite their individual identities and concerns, mission groups have collaborated to address their shared challenges by pooling resources and expertise to tackle issues such as research, teaching quality, and societal impact.  

The Russell Group and the Cathedrals Group have jointly addressed the need for increased diversity and inclusivity in higher education. They have collaborated to share best practices and develop strategies to enhance access for underrepresented groups. 

The University Alliance and MillionPlus have also partnered to advocate for policy changes that support the contributions of modern universities. Their aim is to emphasise the importance of these institutions in addressing regional disparities, promoting innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of the job market. 

Do mission groups work with the UK government?

University mission groups in the UK engage with the government to influence national policies and funding decisions through strategic lobbying, often presenting a unified front to advocate for the interests and priorities of their members. 

For example, the Russell Group lobbies to shape government policies on research funding and investment in science and innovation and aims to influence decisions that affect research-intensive universities. 

The University Alliance also advocates for policies on funding models, recognition of the societal impact of research conducted by its member institutions, and the role of applied and vocational education. 

These mission groups use their collective influence to ensure that government policies align with the goals and priorities of their members. 

Mission groups and the future

In an increasingly connected world, mission groups aim to build international partnerships to improve the global competitiveness of UK universities. Collaborations with overseas partners contribute to diverse perspectives and knowledge sharing. The groups are adapting to the rise of digital learning, integrating technology into teaching and research agendas, with the aim of staying at the forefront of educational innovation.

UK university mission groups play important role in shaping the nation's higher education landscape. United by shared goals, these groups act as influential voices, affecting policies and guiding research and educational strategies. As university education evolves, these mission groups will allow their members to navigate challenges together, collaborate and address shared concerns. While some controversies surround their influence, mission groups should and have actively responded and adapted. Looking forward, mission groups focus on global collaborations, embracing digital advancements, and staying at the forefront of educational innovation to ensure the continued excellence and competitiveness of UK universities.