Lost learners

​Between the academic years 2010–11 and 2016–17, the number of people studying part time at UK universities fell by 37%, with those students studying undergraduate courses part time falling by 47%.

This report, part of Universities UK's work on flexible learning, explores the socio-economic profile of 'lost learners' – prospective students who have considered, but not pursued, part-time higher education since 2010.

Several reports are available in this series:



News

Majority of adult learners would upskill at university if given the chance

21 October 2020
New polling by Savanta ComRes for Universities UK has revealed that 82% of prospective students in England who are either unemployed, at risk of unemployment, or looking to learn new skills would be keen to study individual modules of a university degree.

Universities and admissions leaders encourage students to be ambitious with their 2021 applications

12 October 2020
Students applying for degree courses that start in autumn 2021 should be ambitious with their choices, following no substantial rise in deferrals in 2020, with universities ready to be flexible when considering applications.

Blog

Student working on a bike

Funding for adult learners will boost the UK's economic recovery

30 September 2020
UUK's Julie Tam takes a look at the prime minister's announcement of a lifetime skills allowance, and what it means for the economy, society, and individuals.

The grades u-turn caused a ripple effect throughout education – it could be catastrophic for unis

25 August 2020
From over-stretched finances to lack of space and facilities, universities are facing a perfect storm of problems.