Today’s blog looks at the number of part-time students and its effect on the Open University.
Open University
On Monday 9 April, the Daily Mail ran a story on its front page about a fall in part-time students attending the Open University. As well as running in the Daily Mail the story was also picked up by the Times.
In February 2018, the Prime Minister launched a review of post-18 education and funding. As part of its work, the review will consider how we can encourage more flexible learning such as through part-time, distance learning and commuter study options. This government has introduced degree apprenticeships that offer more flexibility, giving individuals an alternative to traditional higher education by combining a degree with an apprenticeship.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
We want everyone with the potential to benefit from higher education to be able to do so. We already offer tuition fee loans for all types of students, including those who are part-time, but recognise the difficulties faced by some. That's why we are introducing maintenance loans for part-time students equivalent to those available for full-time courses.
The Prime Minister has also announced a major review of post-18 education and funding which will look at how we can support people to study at different times in their lives.
Read more about the review of Post-18 education here.