New university landscape: Supporting changing student behaviour

Garmon ap GarthBirkbeck, University of London

g.ap-garth@bbk.ac.uk

Overview

• Overview of changes since 2012 funding changes in England

• Birkbeck’s experience of changing student behaviour

• Discussion

Changing behaviour since 2012 funding changes in England• Fears of major adverse consequences of the higher fees have not yet

come to pass– Record number of students entered HE in 2013/14– Entry rates for disadvantaged increase; differences by background at record

lows – Women a third more likely to enter than men, 45% more likely in

disadvantaged areas – Advantaged young people in England being 2.8 times more likely to enter

higher education compared to 4.4 times in 2004– No increase in students choosing to stay at home– Increase in lower quintile students applying and enrolling

• However, big falls in number of mature students and part-time students

Impact of the 2012 student finance changes – Birkbeck’s experience

• New provision has led to full-time evening applications rising rapidly

• Part-time students enrolments 40% down – across the part-time sector and also at Birkbeck

• Significant numbers of (mature) students have disappeared from the system

• No signs of these changes reversing• Increased interest in flexible modes of study• Continue to attract WP students, although with

different characteristics

Birkbeck’s response to changes in students’ choices• Introduce full-time evening degrees in response to demand

from students. – Now all UG degrees are available on a full-time basis

• Attract students who are looking for different model of study

• Work with 6th forms and full engagement in UCAS for the first time

• 60% of f-t students are now under 25 – rapid change in student body

• Applications from FEC up 400% in 2 years

Full time and part time evening studyFull-time eveningWork around study

Part-time eveningStudy around work

Duration 3 years 4 years

Intensity 3-4 evenings a week 2-3 evenings a week

Time of classes 6-9pm 6-9pm

Application process UCAS Direct application to university

Entry requirements Same as part-time Same as full-time

Deadlines UCAS deadlines More flexibility

Finance Student Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan available

Student Tuition Fee Loan available - no Maintenance Loan available

Work Recommend students work no more than 20 hours per week

Ability to work full-time

Applications to Birkbeck’s full-time degrees

Year on year increase in applications by age group:

The impact on student body

Age 2013/14 2014/15 (to date)

30 plus 59% 6%

25 to 30 118% 28%

21-25 76% 24%

Under 21 149% 111%

2013/14 2014/15 (to date)

Students from partner institutions

147% 72%

Year on year increase in applications from partner institutions:

Why the large increase in younger students applying to Birkbeck? • Increased knowledge of Birkbeck through being in UCAS • Reputation and quality – University of London• Generous financial support• Mid range entry requirements

– UCAS tariff points are typically 240-300– Access to HE requirement is typically 15 credits achieved at Merit or

Distinction in a subject units– We continue to welcome applicants without traditional qualifications

• Students keen to combine study with work• Not being aware that we only offer evening provision (!)

Who are the young students attracted to full-time evening study?

• Students who choose to stay in London • Low income• 55% of full-time students are entitled to our financial

support• 40% of our part-time access our financial support

• Significantly increased percentage of BME• High percentage of Access and BTEC • Mid-range entry qualifications• Students who are looking to work alongside study

Full-time evening study – what our students say“I was studying alongside professionals who were already working in the City, had their own companies or worked for government and I found that really useful as I got to network with people who had a lot more experience than me.

It was one of my fellow students who advised me that, with the skills I had, I would make a good actuary and when I was going to interviews they would advise me”

Natalie Jackson, BSc Economics and Social Policy

Full-time evening study – what our students say“I am seeing the benefits of studying and working simultaneously, and this intensive approach will help me in the job market in future. When I graduate I will have an internationally recognised degree, a job in my chosen field, and three years of valuable and relevant experience from the workplace”

Michael Peltier, BSc Accounting (alongside working at a hedge fund).

Conclusion

• Nationally, changes in student behaviour do not seem significant through several measurements.

• Birkbeck’s experience shows that there are many students interested in different models of study. A number of students are choosing different options when they’re made aware of those options.

Discussion questions: current experience

• What are the main factors that determine students’ HE choices, and have you seen changes in recent years?– More career minded than previously? – Do more decide not to apply at all?– Are more students seeking alternative models of HE?

Discussion questions: current experience

• What can be done at school/college level to identify students who would benefit from different options?

• Pressures on careers services; how can universities offer more support?

Discussion questions: the future

• Impact of the removal of student number controls – 30,000 additional places at universities in 2014/15– No student number controls from 2015/16

• What is the likely impact on student behaviour, and how can we prepare?