The advent of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), which focuses on modular study at undergraduate level has prompted a great deal of discussion
Two recent blogs have addressed some of the limitations of the plans. Shruti Khandekar argues that the debate to-date has not considered online learners, and Mark Bennett contends that leaving out postgraduate taught study out of the LLE debate, which include masters PG certificates and diplomas, carries risk.
Both are critical areas to include if the government is genuinely committed to lifelong learning for the benefit of the individual, the economy and society.
The Postgraduate Experience Project (PEP) funded by HEFCE’s Phase 1 of the Postgraduate Support Scheme (2013) which was aimed at finding ways to re-energise the postgraduate taught UK domiciled market, found many business especially Small and Medium Enterprises did not need an employee to have a masters qualification and preferred to deliver in-house training. This was due to universities not readily able to deliver flexible offerings. With declining full and part-time UK domiciled masters numbers up to 2010, many institutions stopped part-time evening delivery and ran it alongside full time during the day because it was not financially viable. This just exacerbated declining part-time numbers.
