FE colleges take greater share of degree places

Further education colleges are to offer nearly 10,000 more degree places under new funding plans announced by the Government.

Universities Minister David Willetts had previously stated that 20,000 places on degree courses would be allocated to institutions charging less than £7,500 per year in tuition fees. It has been confirmed that around half of these places (9,500) will go to Further Education colleges.

With extra places reserved for appeals, this means that more colleges than universities will receive funding for the 'low-cost' places.

Universities and colleges were invited to bid for the places on the basis of quality and value for money, as part of the government's plans for greater competition and market forces in higher education. A number of universities had changed their fee plans so that their average cost would be low enough to appy for these places.

Posted by Michael Chapman.