Open University to lose £100m
Updated on 13 December 2007
The government announces plans to take away £100m from students studying for second degrees.
For the last decade new Labour has made much of the importance of lifelong learning. But the chance for some students to gain second degrees is now under threat from funding cuts.
For years the Open University has been one of the first step towards a career change.
The Open University says the cut will affect a quarter of its students, and some courses may have to be cancelled. The government wants the university to focus its cash on students getting their first degrees.
Over 140,000 students study with the Open University every year, studying at home and only coming together for occasional tutorials.
The Open University is acknowledged as a world leader in part-time teaching. It expects to lose some £31m if the funding is withdrawn.
