§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of(a) how many and (b) what percentage of those studying for (i) undergraduate degrees and (ii) equivalent vocational qualifications in Wales are mature students; and if he will make a statement. [2734]
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§ Mr. HainThere are no direct equivalencies between undergraduate degrees and vocational qualifications. The following table provides an analysis by qualficiation aim of those studying at undergraduate level in HE institutions in Wales in 1996–97.
Undergraduate students in higher education establishments1 in Wales 1996–97 Qualification aim Mature student2 All students Per cent. mature First degree 23,039 51,757 44.5 Professional qualifications 1,194 1,213 98.4 Diploma/Certificate in HE 2,916 3,155 92.4 HND/HNC 4,986 8,466 58.9 NVQ/SVQ levels 4 and 5 52 52 100.0 Institutional credit 1,077 1.318 81.7 Foundation course 271 401 67.6 Other undergraduate 6,337 6,839 92.7 Total 39,872 73,201 54.5 1Excludes HE in FE establishments. 2Students aged 21 or over in the current academic year.