Thanks for visiting TopUniversities.com today! So that we can show you the most relevant information, please select the option that most closely relates to you.
Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Already have an account? Sign in
Save
UK Universities to Offer Shorter Courses for Higher Annual Fees
By Sabrina Collier
Updated February 24, 2017 Updated February 24, 2017UK universities will be able to charge more than £13,000 a year for two-year undergraduate degrees, under new plans announced by the government on Friday.
The fast-track courses, implemented in English universities, will cost roughly the same in total as a three-year course. They will enable students to get a degree in two years rather than three, allowing them to save money on accommodation and living costs. The shorter courses are also good news for those who want to enter the workplace sooner.
The proposed two-year programs will mean students take much shorter breaks and study more intensively, reflecting the faster pace of the degree. The change should address concerns that degrees are increasingly poor value for money, with some courses consisting of as little as five hours of teaching a week and students receiving long summer and Christmas breaks.
Increased flexibility
Regular three-year courses will continue to be available, allowing students the flexibility to choose between both options. There have been calls for fast-track courses in the past, but few exist as the tuition fee cap of £9,250 a year provided UK universities with little financial incentive to run them.
Universities Minister Jo Johnson believes the new courses may be particularly beneficial for mature or disadvantaged students, and according to the BBC is expected to tell university leaders: "Students are crying out for more flexible courses, modes of study which they can fit around work and life, shorter courses that enable them to get into and back into work more quickly, and courses that equip them with the skills that the modern workplace needs."
The same quality in a shorter period?
However, the fast-track courses raise some concerns, particularly as to whether students will be able to get the same quality of education in a shorter period, as well as whether this will result in unsustainable extra pressure on both staff and students’ workloads. Conversely, the Department of Education has stressed that fast-track degrees will carry the same weight as current three-year courses.
The Russell Group, an association of 24 leading UK universities, is also concerned about the impact on learning. Acting director Dr Tim Bradshaw said: “Full-time, three-year degree programs are generally the most appropriate at research-intensive institutions”, while Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: “Our universities must remain places of learning, not academic sweatshops.”
The news also reflects concerns regarding increases in tuition fees at UK universities, with the government announcing in December that tuition fees for three-year courses in England will increase to £9,250 a year in autumn 2017. The fast-track programs will make annual fees in England higher than many US state universities.
Do you like the idea of completing a two-year, fast-track course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
This article was originally published in February 2017 .
Want more content like this Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
+ 43 others
saved this article
+ 44 others saved this article
Share via
Share this Page
Our expert teams can help start your academic journey by guiding you through the application process.
Related Articles Last year
Subject Rankings 2016-2017 – QS Vs Times Higher Education
How Brunel University London has adapted and thrived during the pandemic
QS World University Rankings 2016/17 – Out Now!
QS World University Rankings 2016/2017 – Global Press Release
Harvard Retains Top Spot in 2016 Shanghai Ranking
UK visas: Guide for Indian students
Most Shared Last year
The world's top 100 universities
Top universities in the UK
9 top universities offering free online courses
10 of the oldest universities in the world
Top 10 universities in London
Top Film Schools Around the World
Most Read Last year
The world's top 100 universities
Top universities in the UK
10 of the oldest universities in the world
Top 10 universities in London
9 top universities offering free online courses
Top medical schools