ALTERNATIVE PROVIDERS IN THE UK: UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

In the United Kingdom (UK) higher education policy changes, especially since 2010, focus on supporting quasi-markets by allowing greater institutional competition and student choice. The decision to open-up the higher education market to alternative providers has resulted in the remarkable growth of providers gaining access to public-backed funding. There has been very little empirical study on alternative providers and/or students within alternative provider institutions, especially in the context of students studying for a degree programme. Using both the education and marketing literature, this article examines students’ perspectives on their educational experiences. This article reports on the outcomes of a small survey conducted with learners within alternative providers in the UK to capture learners’ satisfaction with their educational experience.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0927/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>