New
polling by Savanta ComRes for Universities UK has revealed
that 82% of prospective students in England who are either
unemployed, at risk of unemployment, or looking to learn new
skills would be keen to study individual modules of a university
degree.
Two thirds of those surveyed say that if the government
introduces loans to study individual modules, they would be more
likely to undertake university study. However, as it stands,
learners must commit in advance to a qualification and take on at
least 25% of the work of a full-time student to be eligible for
any financial support from government.
The poll also shows that earning while learning and maintaining a
good work-life balance are the top benefits of modular learning.
The poll comes as universities call for the introduction of loans
for more flexible study, which would unlock opportunities for
those with caring or work responsibilities.
Other key findings include:
- Engineering – an industry with significant skills shortages*
– is the second most popular subject choice for modular study,
behind business management, followed by key public sector
professions (18% teaching and 16% nursing/allied healthcare).
- Modular study has the potential to increase the number of
people with high level skills in the UK. 13% of those who are
interested in university education say they are not likely to
study part time but are interested in modular study.
- Over one third of those unlikely to undertake modular study
even if loans were introduced were concerned about repayment.
- Prospective learners place value on being able to build up to
a full qualification - 93% of those likely to undertake modular
study if loans were introduced said this is important, showing
the importance of flexibility and pathways.
The polling also revealed concerns over how financially
accessible university study is, highlighting the need for a
comprehensive government-funded national education campaign on
student finance – something that Universities UK has previously
called for.
The lack of clear information on the student finance system is
holding back individuals of all ages that could benefit from
higher education. Targeted maintenance support should also be
explored to ensure flexible learning opportunities are truly open
to everyone who would benefit.
These recommendations form part of a wider ‘Vision
for Higher Education’ also published today [Wednesday 21
October] by Universities UK, outlining a proposed package of
ambitious reforms to enhance universities’ contribution to the
nation’s wellbeing, economy and communities.
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK,
said: “With one million more job losses forecast by the
end of the year**, it is more important than ever to boost
people’s skills and maximise their job prospects in a flexible
way.
“The government should change the eligibility criteria for
financial support for higher education to allow more people to
benefit from access to shorter courses, and it should make
information about the student finance system more accessible.
“The recent announcement of a Lifetime Skills Guarantee is
welcome, but it is not yet clear how much flexibility will be
built into the system at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
“Providing more people with the opportunity to upskill and
retrain will be crucial to meeting the country’s skills needs,
rebuilding the economy and levelling up.”
Notes
* According to the Institution for Engineering
and Technology’s (IET) 2019 ‘Skills and Demand in Industry’
report, 53% of employers surveyed saw a shortage of engineers in
the UK as a threat to their business.
**This stat is derived from ONS employment data and has been
widely reported by media including the FT.
- Slides summarising findings from the polling, key stats and
more information are attached to this email.
- A summary of the Vision for Higher Education and the full
document is also attached. Minor amendments may be made to the
copy and design of the full document, but this will not change
significantly.
