UK student workload lower than other countries

The Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) has today published The Academic Experience of Students in English Universities (2007) – a repeat of their 2006 survey and report.  The report warns that undergraduates in England spend far less time studying than their European counterparts, casting doubt on the quality of degrees at their universities.  One of the reasons for comparatively low levels of study time at English universities is that so many students now have paying jobs. 

Although there are unique characteristics about higher education in the UK which means it is difficult to make international comparisons, the report concludes that “there is real reason to doubt whether English degrees will be perceived as being of equivalent value to degrees from countries where the requirements on students are more onerous”.  Universities UK have cautioned against coming to “sweeping conclusions” on the Hepi figures or the European comparisons.  [Source: Guardian Education]