A number of universities in England are offering students degree courses which they can complete in two years instead of three. 

The Higher Education Funding Council for England has selected several universities to take part in the Flexible Learning Pathfinders pilot scheme. Instead of traditional undergraduate degree courses lasting three years, these universities will make use of the summer breaks by holding summer schools, allowing students to complete the programme in two years.

A range of degree courses are part of  the fast-track pilot scheme – from hospitality business management and computing for business applications to creative writing and sports science.

The selected universities are:

University of Derby – offering three fast-track Honours degrees, two corporate learning degrees and three blended learning foundation degrees in partnership with local colleges.

University of Gloucestershire – two fast-track degrees (from September 2007): creative writing and sports science; three more will be offered from September 2008.

Universities at Medway (University of Greenwich, the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University) – offering work-based learning degrees at the Centre for Work and Learning on the Medway Campus; and developing a foundation degree in biosciences.

Leeds Metropolitan University – three fast-track degree courses: hospitality business management, sports coaching, and tourism management.

University of Northampton – offering two fast-track Honours degrees and six four-year part-time Honours degrees from September 2007.

University of  Portsmouth – a fast-track degree from October 2007 in creative and cultural entrepreneurship.

University of  Staffordshire – offering five fast-track Honours degrees.

University of  Plymouth – fast-track degrees in computing for business applications and information technology management.

There are several key benefits to the fast-track scheme. Not only will students stand out from the crowd having completed a degree course in two years, but those few will get the chance to enter the job market earlier than most. There is also the added advantage of saving a year’s tuition fees and living costs.

The two-year fast-track degree programmes are part of the Government’s plan to provide more flexibility in courses, “to meet the needs of a more diverse student body.”