19 February 2007
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UK school leavers are beginning to show a desire for alternatives to full-time higher education. |
A recent survey of current Year 13 students by market researchers at Bournemouth University shows a significant amount of interest in part-time study.
Nearly one-third of the 825 students surveyed showed an interest in a more flexible alternative, specifically the ability to study whilst maintaining a full-time job.
The research indicates that school leavers have very little awareness of part-time courses in general, and that they can apply directly to the University, rather than through UCAS for these courses.
Moreover, a survey of over 1,000 first-year students currently attending Bournemouth University shows that many would have been interested in a part-time option had they of known it was available.
Over 10% of current students noted that they would have preferred a part-time option (either online or on campus).
Top-up fees and a greater emphasis on the contribution of education to career development are influencing students’ choice.
“Five years ago, nearly all part-time students were returning to education after being in work for several years,” says Jacky Mack, Course Leader for Bournemouth’s part-time BA (Hons) in Business Studies.
“We are now seeing more and more school leavers choosing the part-time option.
"The introduction of top-up fees has been a factor, but younger students are also recognising the benefits of combining work and study.”
Reece Kempton, 19, is a first-year student on the part-time BA (Hons) in Business Studies.
The former Poole Grammar School pupil is also working as an IT consultant with Bournemouth-based retail chain Beales’ PLC and says that it’s the mix of ‘learning and earning’ that appealed to him.
“When I first heard about the part-time option, it was a no-brainer. With a part-time degree, you not only learn your subject of study, you also learn life skills,” says Reece.
“This course gives students the option to get the best of both worlds: work and study.”
> More information on part-time options at Bournemouth University
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