HITECC Evaluation Report
Final Report on the Higher Introductory Technology Engineering Conversion Course Initiative
Reference M 24/96
Published August 1996
The electronic version of this publication contains the Executive Summary only. Complete printed copies are available, from HEFCE Publications.
Executive Summary
This is the final report of the HEFCE's initiative to encourage students with non-traditional qualifications to take engineering courses. This alternative route to engineering comprised a one-year course called HITECC (Higher Introductory Technology and Engineering Conversion Course). It was designed to bring students up to a high enough level in maths and physics to enter the first year of an HND or degree in engineering or technology.
The HITECC initiative came to an end in 1994-95. From the academic year 1995-96, HITECC allocations of funds and student numbers have been added to the core in the Engineering and Technology Academic Subject Category (ASC4) for the institutions concerned.
The report is based on data provided annually since 1988-89 by participating institutions, and also draws on the more detailed information requested from each institution in 1993 and 1995.
The initiative succeeded in:
- Increasing enrolments in HE engineering programmes.
- Providing opportunities for students to study engineering and technology who could not have done so otherwise.
- Producing students who went on to become good quality engineering and science graduates.
- Promoting a positive image of engineering.
Virtually all participating institutions intend to continue HITECC-style courses. Such courses have an important role in increasing opportunities for individual students, and fulfilling the national need for engineering and technology graduates.