HC Deb 14 February 2003 vol 400 cc145-6W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research he has conducted

Title of consultation Start date End date
Teachers' Professional Development—Standards Framework Consultation 11 June 2001 20 July 2001
Teachers' Professional Development Division—Development Portfolio Consultation 11 June 2001 20 July 2001
Consultation on Professional Duties of Advanced Skills Teachers 26 June 2001 21 August 2001
July European Commission Memorandum on Lifelong Learning 26 June 2001 28 September 2001
Education Development Plans from 2002—Consultation on draft guidance 27 June 2001 19 September 2001
Consultation on Extending the Use of Parenting Orders 9 July 2001 9 October 2001
Inspection of Local Education Authorities 11 July 2001 11 October 2001
Employment of Teachers who have successfully completed their course of teacher training but have not passed their skills test 24 July 2001 8 August 2001
Standards for the awards of qualified teacher status—initial teacher training 2002–03 26 July 2001 2 November 2001
Draft Regulations Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as Amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 30 July 2001 22 October 2001
The Way Forward—A Modernised Framework for School Governance 5 September 2001 7 November 2001
Better Beginnings—Improving quality and increasing provision in early years education and childcare 5 September 2001 7 November 2001
Consultation on School Admissions 5 September 2001 7 November 2001
Consultation on Exclusion Appeal Panels 5September 2001 7 November 2001
Registration and Monitoring of Independent Schools 5 September 2001 9 November 2001
Schools Achieving Success 5 September 2001 7 November 2001
Improving Inspection, improving Schools 10 September 2001 10 November 2001
Consultation on targets for English and mathematics at Key Stage 2 in 2004 18 September 2001 14 December 2001
16–19 Organisation and Inspection: A consultation document 24 September 2001 7 November 2001
Expert support for the development of Foundation Stage Practice 5 October 2001 28 December 2001
City Academies: Arrangements for Pupils with SEN and Disabilities 8 October 2001 29 December 2001
Consultation on Proposals arising from the Treasury Review of teachers'Ill Health Retirement 2 November 2001 25 January 2002
Excellence Fellowship Awards 6 November 2001 14 December 2001
Teachers' Pay Reform—Performance Pay Progression Grant 23 November 2001 14 December 2001
Building a Strategy for Children and Young People 25 November 2001 1 March 2002
Consultation on Review of Learning Partnerships 17 December 2001 16 February 2002
Consultation on Review of Arts and Humanities Research Funding 18 December 2001 2 February 2002
Quinquennial Review of Investors in People UK 1 January 2002 28 February 2002
Consultation on Accessible Schools: Planning to increase access to schools for disabled pupils 14 January 2002 25 March 2002

into the factors determining the choice of degree course by students; and if he will place the results in the Library. [97109]

Margaret Hodge

The department and other organisations have published a number of research reports that have investigated students' choice of course among other issues. These include:

Connor, H. et al (2001) "Social Class and Higher Education: Issues Affecting Participation by Lower Social Class Groups" DfEE Research Report No. 246

UCAS (2002) "Paving the Way Project Report".

Davies, P. et al (2002) "For me or not for me—that is the question. A study of mature students' decision-making and higher education" DfES Research Report 297.

This research finds that most students choose their course because they are interested in the subject. The expected employment prospects associated with the course is also an important consideration to many students. The mode of delivery and timetabling of the course influences many mature students' choice.

The most important reason for choosing an institution is that it offers the right subject. The location of the institution is also important, often for financial reasons.