Set in the context of the forthcoming Higher Education White Paper this conference will bring together leaders in higher education to discuss how to open up more flexible, part-time provision.

While initial participation rates for part-time students has been in decline for a number of years from 2012-13 part-time students studying between 25 and 75 per cent of a full-time course will be eligible for tuition fee loans, effectively leveling the playing field with full-time students.

The new fees regime will increase interest and demand in part time, flexible and distance learning. Both universities and further education colleges are challenged to create this new modern era of higher education which promotes opportunity, flexibility, quality and the crucial role of part-time study in delivering future economic growth and social mobility.