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10 Jun 2010 12:45:21
Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE has joined a chorus of disapproval at new proposals which would result in students studying at further education colleges rather than at university.
Under the plan being considered by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, degrees could be delivered by institutions other than universities with students then taking an external exam accredited by a university at the end of their course. The proposals are an attempt to reduce student funding costs.
Speaking as chair of the think tank million+, Professor Ebdon said: “This is a cheap proposal and an old-fashioned model that will not serve students or employers well. Employers do not want people who just sit exams but people with the graduate attributes and higher level skills developed at university.
“These proposals also risk creating a two-tier system where those who can afford it, go away from home to study, while students from poorer backgrounds study in FE rather than at university.
“Some 48 per cent of university applicants have already been to college; universities have created some very effective partnerships with FE Colleges but this is no substitute for students having the right to progress to and study at university.
“The proposals are a complete distraction from the real problems facing the many thousands of students who want to start courses at university in 2010 but who are at risk of not getting places.”
Latest news» 2010» June» Vice Chancellor slams 'budget' degrees
