What is Recognition of Prior Learning?Recognition of prior learning (RPL), prior learning assessment (PLA), or prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR), describes a process used by regulatory bodies…….., adult learning centres, career development practitioners, employers, training institutions, colleges and universities around the world to evaluate skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom for the purpose of recognizing competence against a given set of standards, competencies, or learning outcomes.Methods of assessing prior learning are varied and include evaluation...Read More

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/analysis/HEinEngland/#d.en.107592According to recent statistics the number of students studying postgraduate courses in England has increased substantially in 2016-17, following the introduction of postgraduate masters loans.All-year student numbers of UK and other EU full-time undergraduates were 3.0 per cent (32,800 students) higher in 2016-17 than in 2015-16, at 1,123,000. These students made up 57 per cent...Read More

Universities’ £10billion pension deficit  may add £1,000 to student fee while lecturers could also have to increase contributionsThe Universities Superannuation Scheme is Britain’s biggest pension fund It has 303,000 members, most of them on gold-plated final salary pensionsIt puts its shortfall at £7.9bn but experts say the real deficit is £2.6bn higherTo repair it would require...Read More

Loughborough University provides the best return on investment for students, an independent study finds:https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/best-value-universities-uk-revealedThe Times Higher Education details the “value” ranking of UK Universities. Interesting for students who are considering attending a 3-year programme of study costing upward of £9,250 per academic year for tuition fees before the addition of costs associated with a maintenance...Read More

Is teaching a profession or an occupation? In the UK there is no consensus regarding what the minimum level of education has to be in order to have assigned the title of “teacher”. The school and FE sector have different minimum entry requirements to take up the role of teacher/tutor:https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/further-education-teacherThe article suggest that it is possible...Read More

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/628717/Employer_qualifications_perceptions_survey.pdfThe report provides an interesting perspective of stakeholders regarding the education and training landscape. Qualifi as an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation develops vocationally related qualifications in response to the needs of employers, ensuring our qualifications are both valid and recognised.  “Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England, responsible for regulating awarding organisations, providing 17,784...Read More

UK Students are graduating with loan debts of around £50,000  Students in England now leave university with higher debts than almost anywhere else in the developed world. The interest rate on loans is currently 6.1% which, when typical maintenance loans are added in, will push up average student debt on graduation to more than £50,000....Read More

In increasingly turbulent times individuals, organisations, employers and communities are concerned about what they can do as individuals and as a group, to improve security for themselves and their assets. Qualifi, in response to an ever growing demand by employers and Government, has recently developed the following qualifications:Level 2 Diploma in Cyber Security Management and...Read More

The cost of living away from home in a big city to attend university is getting out of hand. Students from around the world share their stories.https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/soaring-cost-student-living‘The article provides a worrying picture of student debt in the UK’. Qualifi CEO Jason Goodyear says, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way’. Qualifi has available options to...Read More

In a recent report, The World Economic Forum anticipates that the top 10 skills in 2020 will be:Complex problem solvingCritical thinkingCreativityPeople managementCoordinating with othersEmotional intelligenceJudgement and decision makingService orientationNegotiationCognitive flexibilityAccording to the Future of Jobs Survey, the industries/sectors to focus on for the future:Professional servicesFinancial servicesICTInfrastructureThe three biggest drivers of change to the UK employment...Read More