Careers:: COURSES

Abstract

Inability to pay for studies was mentioned by almost half the people questioned in an Open University sample survey as to the reasons why they turned down a place with the OU this year. Of the 1,500 people questioned, half would have chosen degree studies while the other half would have opted to sign on for a single ten‐month course as an Associate Student Similar surveys have been carried out among undergraduate applicants intermittently between 1974 and 1985. In 1982 there was a sharp rise in numbers giving money as a reason for declining a place, from 32 to 46 per cent. Other reasons why people turn down a place include ill‐health, moving house, family changes, increased work responsibilities, and unemployment. Financial assistance with fees is available to students on a means‐tested basis, and a special ear‐marked fund totalling £600,000 is also available to help the unemployed study at nominal cost. Fees can be paid by instalments; and many OU students are sponsored, in whole or part, by local education authorities or by their employers — particularly where studies relate to their work.

Citation

(1985), "Careers:: COURSES", Education + Training, Vol. 27 No. 7, pp. 214-214. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb017168