All entries for Thursday 20 April 2006
April 20, 2006
Two year degrees – here we go again
Writing about web page http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/news/story/0,,1756181,00.html
This one comes around every four or five years – jolly efficient way for students to get degrees, saves money, sweats the assets etc etc.
(I am of course behind the curve on this – THES has an editorial on this today (20 April) which makes the same point but more articulately)
So why is it that it never takes off then? Answer is broadly that it only works for a small percentage of students who want to study this way. The new fee regime may make it more attractive as an option but I doubt it. If two year degrees really were that popular then the University of Buckingham would be overrun with applicants and Foundation degrees would be heavily over-subscribed.
Still, a positive alternative for some but would be surprised if all five institutions were still offering three years from now. I just think that you lose something essential about the undergraduate experience by doing a degree this way.