The Benefits of Part‐Time Undergraduate Study and UK Higher Education Policy: a Literature Review |
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| Authors: | Alice Bennion Anna Scesa Ruth Williams |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, The Open University, a.bennion@open.ac.uk;2. Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, The Open University, a.scesa@open.ac.uk;3. Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, The Open University, r.k.williams@open.ac.uk |
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| Abstract: | Part‐time study in the UK is significant: nearly 40 per cent of higher education students study part‐time. This article reports on a literature review that sought to understand the economic and social benefits of part‐time study in the UK. It concludes that there are substantial and wide‐ranging benefits from studying part‐time. The article also aims to place the discussion in the current policy context by drawing attention to the fact that while part‐time study is seen as important for increasing the global competitiveness of the UK economy, expansion of higher education has tended to focus on the young, full‐time student; furthermore, part‐time study is less generously resourced compared to full‐time study. New policy pronouncements made in 2009 appear to recognise these policy contradictions, which state that most future growth will be in provision other than the full‐time, 3‐year undergraduate degree. Indeed, the Government's independent review of fees has recognized that parity of funding is an issue and its recommendations on part‐time study have been endorsed by the government. |
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