Fast track degrees good for employers
Research published by the Higher Education Academy and carried out by Sheffield Hallam University shows that the new two-year Fast Track degrees are valued by professional bodies and employers and provide real benefits for students.
Minister for Higher Education Bill Rammell revealed this latest research whilst viewing at first hand the Fast Track degree pilots at Staffordshire University.
Fast Track degrees are about extending student choice. Just as, through part-time study, a student can study at a less intense pace than the convention, so through more intense study, they can study more quickly than the norm. It is possible to study for an honours degree over two academic years, with study through the summer vacation.
Bill Rammell said:
"Fast Track degrees are part of the way we will expand and broaden access to Higher Education (HE). No one mould suits everyone. Increasingly we will see HE offered in a way, in a place and at a time which suits particular groups of students and which still meets employers' needs. The Fast Track degree pilots are a powerful example of how Higher Education Institutions can offer creative and innovative new programmes - so that they meet the needs of students and fit better with their circumstances'
"The Research published today by the Higher Education Academy shows that Fast Track degrees are working for students and provide a quality product valued not only by employers but professional bodies too such as the Law Society. This increased flexibility supports not only employers' skills needs but also helps widen access, particularly to new groups of learners."
"I would also like to stress that Fast Track degrees are certainly no easy option, students who can apply themselves to complete a full honours degree in two years will have the skills and attitude required to succeed in some of the most demanding professions".
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