You get to her offices over a kind of drawbridge.

But the lair of University of Bath vice-chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell is no ivory tower.

After almost 10 years in the job Prof Breakwell knows her institution and city inside out.

And she is clearly passionate about providing the very best educational experience for her students, who from 2012 are likely to be paying £9,000 a year for the privilege.

The tricky issue of the 300 per cent increase in fees is clearly a topic on everybody's lips and she is quick to stress that universities have had little choice in the matter.

"The majority of universities have gone to the £9,000 figure, so we are not way out of step with what people are doing," she said.

"The universities have done that because that is how much it costs to provide this sort of quality of educational experience that students expect and that we hope we provide. To maintain these standards of excellence, that is what it costs.

"It is not about keeping up with the Joneses; it really is a question of covering the costs. That is against a backdrop of the Government having removed 80 per cent of the funding for higher education that it was previously provided to allow us to teach students. It is a big hole to fill."

This week is Universities Week, which – despite this controversy – aims to demonstrate the importance of the institutions to British life.

Prof Breakwell accepts that rising tuition fees will have an impact on the way young people view university and the decisions they make when they prepare to leave school.

She believes that prospective students will consider more carefully whether a particular course or university will give them the best chance of getting a good job when they graduate.

"I think students who apply will be looking much more carefully at the way in which their degree is going to ensure their employment.

"I think probably people will be really concerned to get the most out of their experience. I think our students do that already.

"It isn't just about getting the best possible degree, but the whole experience – sport, volunteering, the arts. People are going to want to be much more rounded."

She rejected the claim that the increasing number of graduates has meant that a degree has lost its value. On the contrary, she says she believes that the UK needs more people in university, getting the skills needed to help the country progress.

She also batted away concerns young people may have about the cost of a university education, saying that they should not see money worries as a barrier.

"There is no reason for somebody to say 'I cannot afford it, it is too expensive'.

"The loan system enables everybody to go to university if they have the qualifications to do so. You don't pay up front. We know not everybody will repay."

She added that all universities would be putting in place bursaries and scholarships to encourage those from poorer backgrounds.

The university and the city of Bath have a complex relationship, with many positives, including around 2,600 people being employed at the Claverton campus and the economic benefits of students living here, but there are also concerns.

The issue of affordable housing is a big one, with worries that the high level of student housing in areas such as Oldfield Park is pushing out first- time buyers and families.

Prof Breakwell said: "I think we have really become an essential part of the city now and the community of this city. I can't now imagine the city without the university, or the university without the city.

"Our students are our best ambassadors and so many of them are involved with local groups, charities and volunteering. I think it is important we do have some of our students in accommodation in the city. It would be terrible if they were to be withdrawn.

"But as we have extended student numbers we have extended student accommodation on site. We don't want to increase competition for houses in the city."

She also insisted she was committed to the university's sports provision.

She said: "To me personally, it is vital. It was me who took the decision to build the Sports Training Village – I committed the money."

She described the recent decision to close the university's 25-metre pool as one she didn't want to take, but one which was necessary for health and safety reasons.