Part-time studying could be the future

GREATER flexibility in allowing people to study part-time at university could be the future, politicians revealed at a pre-election hustings yesterday.

The education debate between representatives from the main political parties, organised by Scotland on Sunday, saw backing for a less rigid route to a degree.

James Fraser, principal of the University of the Highlands and Islands, sparked the topic by asking for more support for those studying part-time.

He pointed out those taking this option receive barely any support, compared to their full-time colleagues.

Des McNulty, Labour's education spokesman, said: "The way forward in education is going to be more part-time students with people moving in and out of education as it suits them.

"We have to adapt higher education in future to suit those requirements."

He repeated his party's call for a full and comprehensive review of higher education with a long, hard look at how students are funded.

Margaret Smith, the Liberal Democrats' education spokeswoman, only backed a review of student funding, saying a comprehensive study of the sector was unnecessary.

She said: "What we actually need is the flexibility to allow people to learn at their own pace, rather than strait-jacket people in a system which suits university principals."

Liam Burns, president of National Union of Students Scotland, described the focus on improving part-time provision in Scotland as "encouraging".

He said: "We believe that if we can build in better flexibility into college and university, we can improve our sector and make savings at the same time."