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Lords approves two-year degree course plan | Lords approves two-year degree course plan |
(35 minutes later) | |
Plans expand two-year degree courses at universities in England have been approved by the House of Lords. | |
Universities will be able to charge higher fees for these shorter, more intensive courses from this September. | |
But the government says students who take up two-year degrees will still save at least £5,500 in total tuition costs compared with a standard course. | |
Universities UK says some institutions already offer fast-track degrees, but demand for them has been limited. | |
Universities will be allowed to charge up to 20% more each year for these courses, in recognition of the increased teaching time required. | Universities will be allowed to charge up to 20% more each year for these courses, in recognition of the increased teaching time required. |
But the the Department for Education says the overall tuition fee cost to the student will be at least 20% less than the same degree over three years - around £11,000 a year for two years, instead of £9,250 a year for three. | But the the Department for Education says the overall tuition fee cost to the student will be at least 20% less than the same degree over three years - around £11,000 a year for two years, instead of £9,250 a year for three. |
Squeezing a full degree into two years is seen as being more appealing to people who are in work or with family commitments. | Squeezing a full degree into two years is seen as being more appealing to people who are in work or with family commitments. |
These accelerated courses offer the same qualification, but are delivered in a shorter, more intensive time span. | These accelerated courses offer the same qualification, but are delivered in a shorter, more intensive time span. |
A two-year accelerated degree will condense three-year degrees with 30 weeks' teaching into two years with 45 weeks' teaching. | A two-year accelerated degree will condense three-year degrees with 30 weeks' teaching into two years with 45 weeks' teaching. |
These courses would also mean students can save on a year's living costs and accommodation. | |
The DfE says it expects the move to remove barriers for a number of under-represented groups, including mature students. | The DfE says it expects the move to remove barriers for a number of under-represented groups, including mature students. |
Universities Minister Chris Skidmore said: "The passing of this legislation is one of the great modern-day milestones for students and breaks the mould of a one-size-fits all system for people wanting to study in higher education. | Universities Minister Chris Skidmore said: "The passing of this legislation is one of the great modern-day milestones for students and breaks the mould of a one-size-fits all system for people wanting to study in higher education. |
"For thousands of future students wanting a faster pace of learning and a faster route into the workplace at a lower overall cost, two-year degrees will transform their choices." | "For thousands of future students wanting a faster pace of learning and a faster route into the workplace at a lower overall cost, two-year degrees will transform their choices." |
A spokeswoman for Universities UK said: "Several universities have been offering two-year, fast-track degrees for a number of years, but demand has been limited under the current system. | A spokeswoman for Universities UK said: "Several universities have been offering two-year, fast-track degrees for a number of years, but demand has been limited under the current system. |
"But if these changes help encourage even more flexible modes of study and meet the needs of a diverse range of students and employers, they are to be welcomed. | "But if these changes help encourage even more flexible modes of study and meet the needs of a diverse range of students and employers, they are to be welcomed. |
"While accelerated degrees could meet the needs of some students and their families, it is important to remember that there are a high number of individuals wishing to learn while they work and for whom more flexible ways of learning are needed. | "While accelerated degrees could meet the needs of some students and their families, it is important to remember that there are a high number of individuals wishing to learn while they work and for whom more flexible ways of learning are needed. |
"We would like to see greater support for students balancing learning while they work." | "We would like to see greater support for students balancing learning while they work." |