Accelerated degrees in higher education: Case study report

This report presents the findings of case studies conducted by IES on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2016, which aimed to present a picture of how accelerated degrees were currently being delivered in the UK and identify examples of good practice.

These case studies aimed to complement the literature review into accelerated degrees, also published by the Department for Educaiton (DfE) due to the transfer of responsibility for higher education policy.

The case studies were undertaken with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in England that offered either accelerated degrees or flexible study at undergraduate level. The case studies were conducted using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews; joint interviews and focus groups with staff; and, in some cases, focus groups or interviews with students. This report offers findings on the modes of study offered at these HEIs, including:

• variation and commonalities between teaching provision;
• the market for and awareness of accelerated degrees;
• design and delivery of the courses; and
• benefits and challenges to delivery of the courses.