Higher education policy in Scotland and the implications for part-time study

The Scottish Government have initiated a major reform of post-16 education with a stated aim of increased flexibility for learners, including more part-time provision. The Open University is the largest provider of part-time higher education (HE) in Scotland and evidence gathered from students who have studied in the college sector suggests that part-time learners value the flexibility of part-time study that allows them to repeat study at the same level or start at a lower level or change subject from previous study. This paper explores the policy changes being made and questions if this flexibility will be maintained for part-time learners in a climate of efficiency savings in HE provision? Will adequate opportunities be made available for them? Will further incentives be put in place to encourage more part-time learning