Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed Government plans to make it easier for universities to offer accelerated degree courses and urged young people to contribute their thoughts.
A government consultation has been established to examine whether more accelerated degree courses should be encouraged. Current and prospective students and graduated are being encouraged to share their views on shorter degree courses.
Accelerated degrees see students studying intensively, completing an undergraduate degree in two years rather than three. This could offer savings on tuition fees and living costs, potentially leaving students up to £25,000 better off. Under the Government proposals, the overall fee limit for shorter degrees would be £22,200, compared with £27,750 for three year courses.
It is hoped that accelerated degrees could be attractive to mature students who want to study at university level but do not want to take a three year career break, and younger people who would like to leave university with a smaller student loan to repay.
Jo Johnson, Universities Minister, said: “Many will want to stick with the classic three year university experience, but for highly motivated students hungry for a faster pace of learning and a quicker route into or back into work, at lower overall cost, two year degrees will be well worth considering.”
Andrew Stephenson MP said: “Accelerated degrees can be a good choice for many students and I welcome the chance for young people thinking about going to university have to take part in the consultation and share their thoughts about shorter degrees.”
“It is vital young people get the skills they need to prosper. Introducing different types of degree programme will make it easier than ever to gain a higher education qualification.”
The consultation ends on Sunday 11 February 2018.