Getting there by degrees - first national conference to examine fast-track courses

A first ever national conference examining the topical issues of fast-track degrees and flexible learning is set to be staged later this month. 'Getting there by degrees' will explore the implications of developments in alternative forms of education provision, such as two-year degree courses and Continued Professional Development, and identify challenges and opportunities for the sector. The event - on Friday 18 June - is being organised by the University of Plymouth in conjunction with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and The Higher Education Academy. The University is currently running one of eight flexible learning pathfinder projects for HEFCE, and as part of that, offers two-year accelerated honours degrees in several Computing and IT subjects and in Business Management. Professor Brian Chalkley, Director of Teaching and Learning at the University of Plymouth, said: "There has been debate over how Higher Education will need to explore new markets and respond to the increasing variety of student and employer expectations. "This conference will provide one of the first opportunities in the country to hear from some of the leading figures in flexible and fast-track education and benefit from their experiences and insight." The programme will include keynote speakers and workshops with members of HEFCE and representatives from some of those universities working on the path-finder projects. Attendance is free of charge, and programme information and more details can be found at the 'Getting there by Degrees' website.