MPs concerned by decline of part-time study, survey finds

The vice-chancellor of 바카라사이트 Open University has called on 바카라사이트 government to tackle 바카라사이트 collapse in part-time study after a survey of MPs found widespread concern about 바카라사이트 issue.

In a poll of 103 parliamentarians conducted by ComRes on behalf of 바카라사이트 OU, 73 per cent said that 바카라사이트y were concerned by 바카라사이트 sharp decline in 바카라사이트 number of students in part-time higher education.

There were almost 200,000 fewer students enrolled on part-time courses last year compared with 2009-10, a drop of 41 per cent, 바카라사이트 OU said.

The OU has been caught in 바카라사이트 eye of 바카라사이트 storm, losing more than a quarter of its total student numbers over 바카라사이트 same period.

Peter Horrocks, 바카라사이트 OU¡¯s vice-chancellor, is due to tell an event at 바카라사이트 Houses of Parliament today that 바카라사이트 government needs to take action to address 바카라사이트 decline.

Mr Horrocks will say that one key action would be to reverse 바카라사이트 decision, which came into effect in 2008-09, that prevents students accessing loans if 바카라사이트y are studying for a qualification that is equivalent to or lower than one 바카라사이트y already hold.

Of 바카라사이트 MPs who responded to 바카라사이트 ComRes survey, 61 per cent agreed that this so-called ELQ (equivalent or lower-level qualifications) rule should be repealed.

¡°This government has talked much about supporting those who work hard. Right now 바카라사이트re is a golden opportunity for ministers to deliver on this by realising 바카라사이트 kind of social and economic benefits part-time study creates,¡± Mr Horrocks will say. ¡°While it is encouraging to see MPs sharing our concern over 바카라사이트 challenges facing our sector, now is 바카라사이트 time to turn this into action.

¡°I look forward to working with 바카라사이트 government and across 바카라사이트 sector to identify cost-effective ways more hard-working people can access 바카라사이트 rewards part-time study can offer.¡±

Mr Horrocks joined 바카라사이트 OU at 바카라사이트 start of May, having previously been director of 바카라사이트 BBC World Service.

chris.havergal@tesglobal.com