Admissions Conference 2021

Further education colleges in England are a relatively small yet an important part of the HE landscape. The costs and burden of regulation, intensified competition with universities, low visibility of sub-Bachelor HE, and a range of other factors impact on the present and future of college HE. On the other hand, as outlined in the recent FE White paper, there is a steer from the government to promote higher technical education, an increased focus on FE and the current Higher Technical Qualifications reforms may present some opportunities for colleges. The pandemic is also likely to impact on college HE in the short term although it is difficult to argue against the merits of online learning.

This session will outline some of the opportunities and challenges for FE colleges in the light of recent government policies and how this may impact upon university and college relationships.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the strengths and challenges of delivering HE in FE.
• A look at the changing profile of the education landscape including regulation, TEF, Degree Awarding Powers, and Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
• Discuss the possible implications of the HTE reforms on colleges.