The continuing decline in adult learning could be halted
through greater access to financial support when studying shorter
courses, according to Universities UK (UUK).
To be eligible for financial support for higher education,
currently learners must commit in advance to a qualification and
take on at least 25% of the work of a full-time student.
Committing to this before being able to explore whether a course
is right for them or whether they can balance it with their
lives, can be hugely off-putting for many. It effectively
prevents them from gradually building up their qualifications
over time, despite the fact a ‘bitesize’ approach to studying may
suit them better.
Ahead of the upcoming Budget, UUK has written to ministers
to highlight how positive action could be taken to break down
these financial barriers deterring adult leaners from study, in
turn encouraging more people to pursue these
opportunities.
UUK believes government has a golden opportunity to explore
how greater financial support for students studying shorter
courses would work, through the targeted funding of a pilot
scheme for communities identified as having skills shortages.
This pilot scheme would be a crucial first step in more radical
longer-term change to benefit all adult learners, those who have
not yet had a chance to access higher education or those who want
to upskill or
reskill.
In its letter sent to government, UUK sets out how funding
for a regional pilot scheme could provide second chances to
pursue higher level education, including for those in work, with
caring responsibilities and with disabilities.
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities
UK, explained why developing a new approach
would support adult learners and boost local economies:
“We know this government is committed to investment in
regional economies and to helping people of all ages and
backgrounds to reskill and retrain. Universities have an
important role to play in that, but the current system counts
against many would-be learners by restricting access to the
financial support they need to develop their skills.
“There should be more than one accepted path to progress in
higher education, to recognise that aspiring students of all ages
have different circumstances and different
needs.
“It is time for universities and government to work
together on bold new ideas to resolve the long-term skills
challenges of our changing economy. Breaking down barriers to
studying shorter courses would not only help students to build-up
qualifications over time but boost productivity across diverse
regions, target local skills needs and support economic and
social regeneration.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
-
UUK
research shows the top three reasons for
not choosing to enrol in part-time study were not being able to
afford tuition fees (44%), not being able to afford the cost of
living while studying (42%) and the course not being flexible
enough to fit alongside other life commitments (26%).
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Since 2012/13, English higher education students have
only been eligible for income-contingent loans if studying at
an intensity of 25 per cent or greater of a full-time
equivalent course and are following a full course for a
specified qualification. The independent post-18 review of
education and funding shows this has been
a main factor in the decline of part-time adult
learners.
-
Participation in adult learning is at a 23-year low
according to analysis from the Learning and Work
Institute.
