1. Part-time and flexible higher education: the real alternative Garmon ap Garth Outreach and Widening Participation Officer Birkbeck, University of London

2. What makes Birkbeck different? Evening teaching Face to face provision Birkbeck, University of London, ranked 23 rd in UK in the 2010 Times World University Rankings Our teaching quality is consistently ranked #1 in the UK National Student Surveys Majority of courses are part-time Certain subjects offer 3 year degrees Campus opened in Stratford

3. Outreach and Widening Participation at Birkbeck Working with FE Colleges to help smooth progression opportunities Delivering Introductory courses in the community with progression to BA/BSc 10% discount to Union members through unionlearn Working with parents, not just the children Working with JobCentre Plus Increasing work with 6 th Form students The alternative to part-time study isnt full-time; its not studying at all

4. Available support Taster sessions and lectures Monthly information sessions Open Evenings Application writing workshops Pathways to Professions project, including career masterplanning workshops, career talks with employers and alumni Delivering courses in the community Sessions are all listed on www.bbk.ac.uk/tryitwww.bbk.ac.uk/tryit

5. Financing part-time study 2011/122012/13 Tuition Fees – approximate costs for UG degree – 4 years Approx £2,000 per yearUp to £6,750 per year (pro-rata rate of fees of £9,000) PaymentUp front or eight monthly instalments Student Loan Student Loan AvailableNoYes but this will only cover fees not maintenance Bursaries or grants availableYes for those in receipt of benefits or on low incomes Yes but limited – National Scholarship Programme and OFFA – eligibility still to be announced Repayment TermsNo repayment of means tested grants Repayments begin once earning over £21,000. No upfront costs.

6. Key messages Part-time courses are increasingly popular Funding for part time stays the same for year 2011/12 entry – last chance to graduate debt free! From 2012/13, part time fees and financial assistance will be pro-rata to full time No UCAS – applications are made direct to Birkbeck The alternative to Birkbeck is often not to study elsewhere, its not to study at all

7. Garmon ap Garth Outreach and Widening Participation 020 8430 0082 g.ap-garth@bbk.ac.uk