Part‐time higher education as open learning

Abstract

This article by Malcolm Tight, Director of the Unit for Research into Part‐time Higher Education at Birkbeck College, University of London, explores the close relations both conceptually and practically between part‐time higher education and open learning. It describes the current extent of part‐time higher education in the United Kingdom, indicates its recent growth and outlines the variety of patterns of provision offered. The value of part‐time higher education, seen as a form of open learning, is then examined, and the prospects for its further development are considered. The article provides a context and introduction to the articles that follow, which look at different aspects of provision and practice in this area, and at the position in other countries.