Government gives go-ahead to two-year degrees

Universities have been given the green light to charge up to 20% more a year for two-year degree courses.

Under the plan, students will pay a fifth (£5,500) less on tuition fees compared with peers on the traditional three-year courses, the Department for Education (DfE) says.

It follows a government consultation on shorter university courses, which supporters say offer more choice and flexibility, particularly for mature students.

Universities say the shorter degrees will still provide the same level of qualification, with the same amount of teaching.

Two-year accelerated degrees will see students taught for 45 weeks of the year, compared to the usual 30 weeks on traditional courses.

The new scheme is to be unveiled in a government response to the consultation, which will be published on Monday.

It will be subject to parliamentary approval.

Universities minister Sam Gyimah said: "Accelerated degrees not only make it possible for the next generation of students to access higher education and the undeniable financial, academic and personal benefits it has to offer but drives the sector to offer dynamic choices that serve students' needs.

"Providers will be able to tap into a new market of students, particularly mature students and those who commute, who were previously locked out of higher education.

"This provision creates a new arena of competition that delivers for students, taxpayers and employers."

Several groups have expressed concerns about accelerated degrees.

The University and College Union, which represents university researchers and teaching staff, said there is "an educational risk that fast track programmes will make it harder for students to combine study with periods of reflection, critical thinking and a 'deep approach' to learning".

It said it would also make it harder for students to earn money at the same time as studying, and would make it harder for those studying while trying to juggle other responsibilities like childcare.

Chief executive of the Russell Group, which represents 24 UK universities, Dr Tim Bradshaw, said: "Greater choice for students is always good but I would caution ministers against 'overpromising'.

"The government's own projection for the likely take-up of these degrees is modest and we actually hear many students calling for four-year degrees, for example, to spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad.

"I wouldn't want disadvantaged students to rule out a traditional three-year course because they didn't believe they could afford it."

(Sky News)