1. Not coming to the Ball? – Part- time and mature students Mary Stuart Vice Chancellor University of Lincoln

2. The overall situation Differences between and within Complexity and UUKs review

3. Overall Situation – data from HEFCE Higher Education in England Impact of 2012 reforms+UCAS Jan, 13 info 40% drop in 2012 enrolments from base of 2010 (so a drop in 11/12 as well) Part-time PG also dropped – 27% - why? UG fees went up and loans introduced Didnt fully understand system (lack on info) Didnt like system (particularly mature pt but also employers) Proportion of employers paying fees decreased but has been in decline since the early 2000s. ELQs not eligible for loans

4. Overall situation Drop for young students only 1.7% in 12 For mature (over 20) fell by 7.1% despite demographics seeing increases in this group (20s and 30s). Over 30s fall in apps for 13 and greatest fall for over 40s. Despite frightening headlines of 40% - the issue has been developing for some time.

5. Differences between and within 79 % of part-time enrolments in 2010 were over 25 13% of full-time enrolments were over 25 Youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds were twice as likely to study part-time than those from more advantaged backgrounds. 2/3 rd s of part-time students have family commitments usually women. (Claire will say more) Hence there is a connection between part-time and mature but there are differences between

6. Differences between and within Typology Difference between students studying part-time because of improved career prospects – could well be ELQ or PG may be employer funded highly focused on qualification – may be short qualification Students studying to develop themselves full or part- time often older for the love of it again - could be ELQ or PG PT more likely women also as mature PT and mature also make contribution to WP – people who missed out as young people – Forces for example

7. Evidence from UALL Over 80 institutions in membership across sector and across different nations Students did not understand changes Students were fearful of debt (especially mature) Employers did not want to pay or encourage debt ELQ issue (decline over time) Subject mix varied Drop in other countries not just England

8. UUK review Lots of things we do not know mostly because focus has been on young full –time and we have better data – evidence I have presented mixed UUK review chaired by Eric Thomas, supported by Fiona Hoban and Fiona Waye membership from across sector + employers and NUS Call for evidence now – will be working on this until end of the year.