Studies on flexible and innovative provision – Statement from Heather Fry, HEFCE Director (Education and Participation)

I welcome the publication of these studies, which advance understanding of the issues around flexible learning and address some of the questions that have emerged from the HEFCE-funded Flexible Learning Pathfinders.

The focus on accelerated degrees is particularly welcome because this area has attracted considerable attention. Accelerated degrees, while not new, are still an innovative approach to higher education provision and, so long as the quality and standards of the awards are maintained (and explained and recognised), and student satisfaction does not suffer, have the potential to offer a more affordable and flexible model of higher education in some subject areas and for some students.

Some of the findings in 'Flexible Learning Pathfinders: key statistics 2008-09' (HEFCE 2011/05) will not surprise those involved in the flexible learning pilots – for instance, that accelerated degrees are largely in vocational subjects and are more attractive to mature students. Other findings, perhaps particularly around student satisfaction rates, will generate further discussion and investigation.

Liz Hart Associates' costing study of two-year accelerated honours degrees concludes that there are potential cost savings to be made through accelerated delivery, but that these are dependent upon other changes in institutions and the ability to operate at greater scale. While costs per year were found to be higher than for three-year delivery, these can be more than offset by the potential savings (particularly in estates, infrastructure and central services) to be made by opting for two-year accelerated delivery. The study also identifies the challenges faced by institutions in implementing accelerated degrees, and puts forward some interesting ideas as to how changes might be facilitated.

We need to be cautious in extrapolating from the findings of these two studies, given the small numbers involved and the concentration on particular subject areas. I am pleased that we plan to carry out further work in 2011 which will look at the characteristics of a further cohort of students. I hope that the costing study will provide a starting point for institutions that wish to explore in more detail the costs of accelerated delivery and of flexible learning in general.

Together with these recent studies, we are also publishing our report ‘Diverse provision: options and challenges’. This was written in early summer 2010 to provide information to ministers, and is now published at the Government’s request. The time lag between writing and full publication means we may now be thinking differently about some aspects, but much of the report should still be of use and interest.

We hope everyone interested in higher education will find these reports useful. We look forward to drawing on all these studies in our policy thinking and in our discussions with the government about the forthcoming higher education White Paper.