The British Library and Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) have commissioned a study into postgraduate education. Emerging findings focus on current numbers of students, profiles and trends, regional disparities and costs and benefits. Updating an earlier study produced in 2004, it is expected to provide vital information in support of the Government's current review of postgraduate education. The report can be found online at www.bl.uk/news/pgreport and www.hepi.ac.uk
The findings of the 'Postgraduate Education in the United Kingdom' study are projected to provide an overview of the current trends, issues and challenges facing the postgraduate sector. The growth of the international postgraduate community and increase in women undertaking postgraduate study are seen to demonstrate the leading role the UK is playing in the sector. This is helping to create an international market place for research students who collaborate to contribute hugely to the UK's research output, knowledge economy, innovation and economic advancement, it has been observed. However, the report also raises issues and challenges that the academic community faces - such as rising fees, number of UK domiciled postgraduates and salary premiums.
Over 270,000 students enrolled for postgraduate courses in 2007-08, with the sector seeing growth of 27 percent in masters' degrees and 9 percent in doctoral degrees. These domestic growth rates, however, are much lower than those of students from overseas, and now 50 percent of masters' students and 44% of doctoral students are international students. While this recognises the strength of the UK's research base, it also demonstrates the need to encourage more UK based students to undertake postgraduate study in the nation, says the study.
With more women than men, amongst UK-domiciled students, undertaking postgraduate study, these figures highlight the increasing accessibility of UK academia. Further, with science subjects such as engineering and technology, biosciences and physical sciences dominating the postgraduate arena, this reflects the support provided by Research Councils and other institutions.
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