UNIVERSITY DOESN'T STAY THE COURSE

22-11-2006

The Stirrer can reveal that Birmingham University is axing three courses at its Selly Oak campus - previously known as Westhill College. This follows our revelation three months ago that the Uni is also closing its award-winning Centre For Lifelong Learning.

The courses to bite the dust this time are the Diploma in Higher Education in Community, Youth and Play Studies - essentially a foundation qualification for youth workers - along with the MA in Applied Community Studies, and a BA in History, Heritage and Education.

According to the University, the latter had problems attracting students, but that doesn't seem to be the case with either the youth worker course or the Masters degree.

We understand that the Diploma, in particular, remains popular, but like courses at the Centre For Lifelong Learning, it has tended to attract mature students, many of who lack “A” levels or other formal qualifications.

Does this mean that the University is turning its back on members of its own local community who can't afford top-up fees and who might not be regarded as academic “high flyers”.

It insists not, saying it “remains committed to its extensive Widening Participation programme”.

The evidence, however, suggests otherwise.
Certainly when you ask why the youth worker course is being scrapped, all you are told is that it “this activity does not accord with the University's strategic priorities.”
Whatever that means.

The only bright piece of news is that all those currently studying on these courses will be able to complete them at the university.