26 October 2010
University leaders have reiterated their call for part-time students to receive the same financial support as full-timers, a proposal backed by Lord Browne’s review of higher education.
Universities UK says this move would make part-time and flexible degrees more attractive and viable alternatives. Currently, part-timers have to pay their fees upfront, while full-timers are eligible for government-funded loans to pay for their fees once they graduate.
Research published by Universities UK today examined the factors encouraging and inhibiting the demand for part-time study in the UK. It found that current funding arrangements financially disadvantage institutions providing part-time courses by failing to adequately cover the extra costs and risks.
It also found that the fall in demand for part-time courses since 2006/07 was associated with financial constraints, especially the government’s decision to phase out funding for students studying for qualifications equivalent to or lower than ones they already hold.
Claire Callender, professor of higher education policy at Birkbeck University and co-author of the report, said: ‘The clear message from this research is that this element of student funding has to be reformed.
‘The previous government highlighted the importance of part-time provision and the need for more flexible learning opportunities, both to widen participation and to meet the changing needs of students and employers. If the coalition government accept this part of Lord Browne’s proposals, there is scope for part-time study to grow to help meet the growing demand for higher education.’
Professor Steve Smith, president of Universities UK, said: ‘We recommended to Lord Browne that some or all of the financial support available to full-time undergraduate students should be extended to those studying part-time. Part-time students will have a vital role to play in meeting the skills needs of the economy over the coming years, so it’s essential they receive adequate support.’
