Decline in part-time study isn’t about degrees

23 Apr 2014 10:47 AM

The fall in part-time higher education study since 2009 is overwhelmingly concentrated in undergraduate qualifications other than first degrees. The much smaller reduction in full-time study in 2012-13 is in these qualifications 

As reported by HEFCE earlier this month [Note 1], there have been declines in part-time study in many countries. A HEFCE analysis published [Note 2] shows that in England undergraduate courses other than first degrees account for almost all of this effect.

First degree courses [Note 3] account for only 6 per cent of the overall fall in numbers of part-time entrants between 2008-09 and 2012-13: the rest of the decline results from fewer students studying other undergraduate (OUG) qualifications such as foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas or institutional credit [Note 4].

Numbers of full-time first degree entrants are high and remain close to record levels, but full-time OUG entrants fell by a third between 2010-11 and 2012-13.

Other findings of the analysis include:

• The decline in OUG covers all types of study. Foundation degree numbers (both full- and part-time, and in most subjects) peak in 2009 before falling back sharply. The same is true of study for institutional credit. Numbers of students enrolling in Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Certificates (HNCs) in higher education institutions (HEIs) have been declining since at least 1995.
• Full-time equivalent entrant numbers into OUG courses in HEIs have declined by 47 per cent in three years from 2009-10. If study for institutional credit (which is most likely to be affected by changes in registration practice) is excluded, the decline is still about the same (46 per cent).
• These shifts may be partly due to changes in the way data are recorded. It is possible that the numbers are depressed by a tendency for HEIs to record students as aiming for a first degree even if they leave having completed a foundation degree. They may also be affected by HEIs which are ceasing to attach formal credit to short courses. It is highly unlikely that effects such as these could explain changes on this scale.

HEFCE Chief Executive Madeleine Atkins said:

‘The decline in undergraduate courses other than first degrees is stark. Explaining the declines, though, is not simple. A wide range of factors have affected these courses over a long period of time. The challenge in the future will be to support and develop high-quality higher education that meets the needs and aspirations of a diverse range of potential students and employers.’

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