In a surprise announcement in March, the government made plans to permit universities to offer two-year or “fast track” degrees. They will cost more per year, and students will experience more intense programmes of study. Proponents say that it will benefit some students but opponents have pointed to creeping focus on financial interests above education.
What is a Two-Year Degree?
Two-year degrees are nothing new; other countries have offered them for years. They are a new proposal to the British education system though where most degrees are three years. There are some four-year programmes which provide both undergraduate and master’s study in a single programme. However, the government now feels that two-year programmes could equally benefit some students and some programmes.
Holidays will be shorter and students will undergo a more intensive programme of study with shorter holidays. This would suit some students.
Advantages of Two-Year Degrees
The main advantage of this type of programme is the cost saving. The tuition fees will be higher as the universities will simply cram three years of work into two years and not reduce the work volume. Eligible students will save money on the most expensive element of study – accommodation. This means lower utility bills too.
It will also suit more gifted or advanced students with great self-motivation who would prefer to knuckle down and plough through, taking shorter breaks. Some students thrive under pressure while others prefer the stretched out nature of the degree to ease them into the stressful third year.
Opponents Point to Potential Problems
Critics spoke out following the announcement. The major concern is that these reforms are driven by profit rather than offering students choice. By putting money before education, it could threaten the high reputation of UK universities – already under threat due to falling international student numbers since the vote to leave the European Union.
Some industry leaders have said that the two-year programmes were just a method of increasing fees by the back door. Universities Minister Jo Johnson said that students were “crying out” for new ways of studying for their degrees. However, students interviewed about the move had very mixed opinions.
What Do the Students Think?
There seems to be little support amongst the present UK student base for two-year degrees. Finalists appeared to be the most opposed. While admitting that they would have taken it at the start, by the end of their degree they felt it was simply too stressful.
Other students pointed to the reduced holidays and the desire/need for short-term work to refill the finances or to engage in internships. Two-year degrees make this virtually impossible. Others still pointed to losing the social aspect of being at university. The move was not universally unwelcome; it was popular amongst those with a low number of contact hours, for example.