Part Time Study in Higher Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This document, which is intended for adults considering enrolling in part-time study in higher education, examines the objectives and experiences of adults who have pursued part-time study in higher education in the United Kingdom. The following reasons why adults return to higher education are discussed: personal development; self-fulfillment; career advancement; love for learning; and "fateful moments" leading adults to reevaluate their lives. A rating scale to help adults identify their reasons for considering part-time study is presented. The following credentials that can be obtained through part-time higher education are explained: a certificate of higher education; a diploma of higher education; and a degree. The different ways of preparing for part-time higher education are discussed. The question of determining one's readiness to pursue higher education is explored, and a brief exercise to help prospective students evaluate their writing ability is presented. The costs of learning and possible ways of financing part-time study in higher education are detailed. The experiences and of adults who have pursued higher education part-time are shared. Particular attention is paid to the problem of time management, and a brief time analysis exercise is provided. The following rewards and results of part-time study are considered: degree results; career improvements; and growing confidence. (MN)