Choice of two-year accelerated degrees expands

The choice of two-year degrees that students can study at university has grown, which will help students get into the workforce earlier. 

It follows a consultation on the proposal to roll out shorter university courses – also known as accelerated degrees – creating an better level of choice and flexibility for people wanting to study in higher education, particularly mature students.

This announcement is part of the government’s drive to provide greater value for money for students.

The move will not just enable students on all such courses to graduate one year faster compared to standard degrees, but will mean businesses will be able to access graduates a year earlier.

Accelerated degrees are also expected to be made available for the vast majority of other courses too.

Accelerated degrees meet exactly the same quality assurance measures as standard degrees and will provide exactly the same level of qualification. For example, a two-year accelerated degree will condense 3-year degrees with 30 weeks teaching into 2 years with 45 weeks teaching.

As part of the consultation response, Sam Gyimah has also given the green light to new fees for accelerated courses. Students who opt for a two-year degree will save at least 20 per cent (£5,500) in total tuition costs compared to a standard three-year course. The new fee limits set out in the government’s response to the consultation, which will be published tomorrow, will be subject to parliamentary approval.