Leading article: Degree of choice

Some students will no doubt want to study for a degree in two rather than three years. They are those who have a career in mind and/or are worried about debt. Or they are older people taking part-time courses who are concerned about missed earnings. The numbers involved will not be large but such people should nevertheless be given the flexibility they need. Two-year degrees are not a revolution in education. They have been tried before but this time they stand more chance of succeeding. The acid test is whether enough students will sign up.