Concerns over drop in part-time students

Statistics released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed that, although enrolments to UK universities were steady overall, there was a drop of 3% in part-time enrolments in 2007/2008 on the previous academic year.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'It is a real worry that the number of part-time students applying to university has dropped. Part-time study is key for students not entering higher education through a more traditional route and will be vital to the success of the widening participation agenda.

'In tough economic times we need to ensure that there are genuine opportunities available to people who need to reskill or gain new qualifications. Part-time study is the only way many people can access higher education and we must support it.'

• The full results can be found on the HESA website