Long live tutorials

There is no question of Oxford University cutting tutorials as a core part of its teaching provision ("Oxford's tutorials cut to aid research", THES , October 25).

The tutorial is greatly valued by students and staff alike. It equips students with high-level transferable skills and is cited by employers as one of the main reasons why our graduates are so sought after.

Other forms of teaching also have an important part to play in providing a rounded university education.

Oxford is committed to best practice in learning and teaching and so we review the mix of tutorial, class and lecture teaching appropriate to each course.

University departments and colleges are considering proposals to introduce a mix of tutorials and small-group teaching for undergraduates.

The precise mix will be determined by the subject and options being studied, but I can assure readers that tutorials will remain the most important single component of an undergraduate's education.

David Robertson
Chair, senior tutors' committee
University of Oxford