1. Part-Time Now Barriers To Part-time Learning In The New HE Landscape across the four UK nations Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships www.open.ac.uk/cicp

2. National survey (1,342 responses) 25 interviews: Students carers, Disabled students, ‘Worker learners’ CIRCUMSTANCES 22% of respondents had a disability or long-term health condition 39% having children under 18 12% having caring responsibilities for an adult MOTIVATIONS Improving future employability To develop specific of specialised knowledge or skills Improving current careers prospects/chances of promotion Enjoyment of subject It felt like an intellectual challenge FINANCIAL SUPPORT 20% of all HE respondents said they funded their study with savings 20% of all HE respondents said they funded their study with paid work 9% in total across FE and HE said they received support from their employment / business

3. Research questions Who are part-time students, to what extent do part-time students differ across the four UK nations, and what can be learned about different HE funding regimes? Why do individuals choose to study part-time rather than full-time, and how do they describe their study experiences ?

4. Aim: To identify and explore in detail the student experience of the range of barriers to part-time learning in HE across the four UK nations, to expand the evidence base of what it feels like to be a part-time student now. Wales report May 2014 UK-wide Survey September 2014 Final Report March 2015 TIMELNIE

5. Objectives –To better understand the role part-time provision plays in addressing access to higher education and participation issues for different groups of non- traditional learners (who may or may not otherwise take part in HE). –To deliver a more detailed understanding of the diversity of part-time student body, barriers facing part-time students, and a deeper understanding of the range of experiences, needs and identities of part-time students. –To deliver and analyse a UK-wide survey of part-time students. –To deliver a range of focus groups and interviews with part-time students from a wide range of backgrounds.

6. Resources –Project website: http://www.open.ac.uk/about/inclusion-and- curriculum/projects/projects/part-time-nowhttp://www.open.ac.uk/about/inclusion-and- curriculum/projects/projects/part-time-now –Reading Group http://www.mendeley.com/groups/2348321/part-time-higher- education/ http://www.mendeley.com/groups/2348321/part-time-higher- education/ –Blogging via The Wide View: http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/wideningparticipation/ http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/wideningparticipation/

7. Contact John Rose-Adams: Research, Evaluation and Information Manager Email: john.rose-adams@open.ac.ukjohn.rose-adams@open.ac.uk Phone +44(0)1908 654018 Twitter @heiwpresearch Blog http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/wideningparticipation/http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/wideningparticipation/

8. Centre for Inclusion and Collaborative Partnerships The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA www.open.ac.uk/cicp