Minister: ''Distance learning will become more important''

27 Jan 2010

Higher education minister David Lammy has said that distance learning will be one of the solutions to the problem of university budget cuts.

A minister has suggested that distance learning will be crucial as universities and students face funding cuts and a shortage of places.

The government recently announced that higher education budgets will be cut by £950 million over the next few years, while the Daily Mail reports that up to 200,000 people will miss out on a place at university this year.

However, writing for Policy Review magazine, David Lammy, the higher education minister, said that, as well as alternative funding for universities, other solutions will have to be found.

He said: "Part-time and distance learning will become more important, not only for the young, but also for older learners who missed out on higher education when they left school."

A recent report by the Centre for Enterprise found that two thirds of small and medium-sized enterprises admitted to seeing the financial benefits of employing people who have a degree.

Several distance courses are available through ICS, including law, English and psychology degrees.

Posted by Caroline Eades