Report identifies land-based studies are strategically important to the nation

8 Jun 2007

Land-based studies were identified by a HEFCE advisory group as one of several subjects that were strategically important to the nation, but which might be vulnerable because of a mismatch between supply and demand. In response, HEFCE commissioned this independent review.

There are at least 12,000 full-time equivalent students following land-based studies (LBS) programmes. Thirty institutions account for around 75 per cent of provision, and further education colleges around 40 per cent. The review found no widespread evidence of a general threat to the sustainability of LBS provision, although it concluded that some of the strategic provision is vulnerable. Many issues are common to other HE programmes, and can be addressed by good management and strategic planning to manage sustainability.

Key recommendations of the review were:

• to establish a strategic dialogue between English and UK stakeholders on needs and responses in relation to LBS
• for HEFCE to monitor provision and liaise closely with other bodies and agencies such as the Learning and Skills Council and government departments with LBS interests
• to explore the potential for more collaboration between providers
• for the funding bodies, notably HEFCE, to be open to proposals for collaboration from providers.