1. Kitty Chilcott, Project Officer

2. Back on Course
Back in Course is a free, impartial information, advice and guidance service for early-leavers from full-time undergraduate higher education, and research project into the factors contributing to early-exit

3. Background Scottish Government strategic priority
Concern about the number of students leaving HE early
2012 – SFC
Launched 2013
English model

4. Project scope and delivery
Full-time undergraduate early-leavers
Currently working with 11 partner Scottish universities
HEIs upload contact data
Inform leavers through exit correspondence
BOC team contact leavers
Two core strands:
Information, advice and guidance service
Research

5. Information, Advice and Guidance
Free impartial information advice and guidance service for early leavers from HE.
2013 to 2015 – 260
"I found Back on Course really helpful - I’m also thankful that you contacted me first as I didn’t even know you existed”
Heather

6. BOC Research
Research into the motivations, needs and characteristics of early-leavers
Sectorial view of issues and share learning
2013 – 2015
5,453 contact details
486 completed surveys

7. Research Aims
Increase awareness of early-leavers’ perspectives on and experiences of early-exit
Improve understanding of factors contributing to early-exit
Research questions
Why students leave university early?
What more can universities do to help students stay in study?

8. Case study
‘I was so glad to hear about Back on Course. I thought people like me were forgotten about. I didn’t think I would be able to go back to university, I thought you got one chance and that was it. I did two years of animal biology even though I knew it wasn’t for me. I chose it because I thought it was the sensible thing to do. What I really want to do is teach. I would love to go back to university” Danni, Edinburgh

9. Early observations Patterns Non-traditional students
Prior educational attainment – HNC/HNC
Course/personal reasons
Complex/multiple reasons for leaving
Link between reasons for entry and exit

10. Further analysis Complete literature review
Complete qualitative exploration and analysis
Identify areas for further research
Make recommendations

11. CONTACT
Kitty Chilcott
Project Officer
Back on Course Scotland
Web:
Phone: