'Concerning Fall' in part-time HE students Monday, February 2, 2009 - 16:17

NIACE is deeply concerned by the sudden decline in part-time students enrolling in higher education.

In 2007/08 there were 21,435 fewer - a fall of 3 per cent - UK part-time students according to figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), on the 29th of January 2009. View HESA statistics here.

Science subjects were particularly badly hit with Computer Sciences losing over 11,000 undergraduate students - a fall of 19 per cent - and Mathematical Sciences losing 700 students - a fall of 15 per cent - of its post-graduate part-time enrolments.

NIACE suspects that the decline in part-time enrolments could be triggered by Government policies announced in 2007, as the withdrawal of public funding from students pursuing an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) had an overwhelming impact on part-time studies.

NIACE's Director, Alan Tuckett said:

"At a time when the Government is trying to widen Higher Education participation these latest figures are of deep concern."

"It is important to remember that part-time students are predominantly adult learners returning to education whilst balancing full-time employment and family commitments."

"Although Ministers have identified that adult students represent a huge latent demand vital to achieve the Leitch agenda they have not addressed the inequities of an HE system that privileges full-time young undergraduates."

"In their response to employer demand and to the pressures facing individuals displaced by the economic downturn the Government has, sensibly, ended the requirement that participation in Train to Gain is limited to those doing a first Level 2 or 3. Given the changing circumstances the equivalent or lower level qualification decision looks more and more misguided."

"In a recession we will need more part-time opportunities for adults who will require re-skilling to adapt to a new labour market."

NIACE is disappointed by the Government's recent decision to delay the Higher Education funding review until June 2010, after the general election. This will stall a much needed debate on the inequities experienced by part-time students.

NIACE will nevertheless continue to press for reform and advocate for the needs of mature students, helping build the agenda for the review.