Queen Margaret University to offer three-year degree

ANOTHER Scottish university has announced plans to introduce an alternative to the traditional four-year degree.

Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh has become the latest Scottish institution to offer a three-year degree to its students.

The university said the “condensed” BA (Hons) Business Management degree – to start in September – would appeal to Scots wishing to graduate faster, as well as those from elsewhere in the UK who would save £6,750 in tuition fees by not studying for an extra year.

Last year, concerns were raised over the future of the four-year degree after Dundee University said it would offer some three-year courses from 2012-13.

Education Secretary Mike Russell has said he is “flexible” about the prospect of students studying on shorter courses, but university leaders last year expressed dismay at the possible disappearance of the “gold standard” of Scottish education.

Commenting on the new degree, QMU’s principal, Professor Petra Wend, said: “This is a very exciting development that widens opportunities for students in an increasingly competitive business environment.

“We have responded to demands for greater flexibility and options for learners outlined in the government’s post-16 education report.”