Vox pop

What effect do you think the London Institute’s bid for university status (DW 28 November), if successful, will have on the status of design generally and the equality of the institute’s graduates?

‘It seems there is more gravitas in coming from a university than an art college. However, creativity cannot be judged on the same criteria as an academic subject, so the university name becomes fancy wrapping paper. All the academic qualifications and status in the world cannot help creatives get a job if they aren’t stimulated by their environment. The “university” tag could become too much of an institution.’

Glenn Tutssel, BA (Hons) London College of Printing, and executive creative director, Tutssels Enterprise IG

‘The institute has an identity problem because it doesn’t need one. Education is valued in the minds of students, employers, even potential tutors by the strengths of the individual college. It’s not the kind of degree, it is where it was gained that counts. Revalidating as a whole will not necessarily help, and certainly will not make people believe that the standard of education will automatically improve.’

Neil Churcher, Co-founder, Edwards Churcher

‘University status for the institute is a political gamble that, if successful, may mean a better seat at the top table to put our spoon in the funding gravy. Sceptical artists and designers will reinvent what a first “Uni of the Arts” might mean. Art should always be for art’s sake, but research funding often enables our graduates to make innovative practice happen.’

Dr Lorraine Gamman, Senior research fellow, Central St Martins College of Art & Design

‘The Royal College of Art became a university in 1967, and since then we have never used the name. It seems we’re the reverse – we’ve got it and don’t want it. The college is a marvellous brand that has tremendous resonance in the art and design world. We’ve never felt the need or seen the benefit of using the university status. Good luck to the institute, though.’

Professor Sir Christopher Frayling, Rector, RCA

‘I’m not sure that it will make any difference to the quality of graduates. Institutes make their reputation chiefly on the quality of their students, and I can’t see that changing the status will make any difference to the quality of the courses. I presume the funding system will remain the same.’

Norman McNally, Head of product design, Glasgow School of Art