Learners to benefit from flexible study reforms

New flexible degree-style courses aimed at boosting skills and widening access to higher education will be available across Lancashire from next year under major student finance reforms.

Five Lancashire education providers have been approved to deliver the new modular courses, allowing adults to study shorter, bite-sized qualifications with access to student finance for the first time.

Blackpool and The Fylde College, Burnley College, Edge Hill University, University of Lancashire and East Lancashire Learning Group will offer the courses as part of the government’s new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) scheme.

The reforms will enable learners to build qualifications over time through flexible modules and short courses, rather than committing to a traditional three-year full-time degree.

The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a rigid three-year full-time degree.  

Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.

Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160. 

This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives. 

Professor Andrew Ireland, pro vice-chancellor at the University of Lancashire, said: "The Lifelong Learning Entitlement creates the opportunity for a more flexible and responsive system and enables people to access learning in ways that better support their individual circumstances and career ambitions.

“As Lancashire’s economy continues to evolve, it is vital that local people can access the skills they need to succeed, while helping employers build the workforce needed for the future.”

Peter Greenall, vice principal for higher education and frontier economy at Blackpool and the Fylde College, said: “By widening participation in higher-level skills, we can boost social mobility, support local people into high-value careers and ensure the benefits of regeneration are felt locally.”

Fionnuala Swann, vice principal, East Lancashire Learning Group, said: "Too often, talented people are held back from progressing because life, work or financial pressures make returning to education feel out of reach.

 "This will give people across our towns and communities greater flexibility to upskill, retrain and gain higher-level qualifications at a time that works for them.

"As Lancashire’s economy continues to evolve, it is vital that local people can access the skills they need to succeed, while helping employers build the workforce needed for the future."

Nina Parkin, assistant principal for University and Adult Education said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of delivering lifelong learning through flexible, modular study. These new opportunities will enable individuals across our community to upskill, retrain and progress in their careers, without having to commit to years of study.

"By offering accessible, high-quality ‘bite-sized’ learning, we are removing traditional barriers to higher education and ensuring that more people can achieve their ambitions, contribute to the local economy, and realise their full potential. 

"This marks a significant step forward in supporting inclusive growth and lifelong learning across Burnley and East Lancashire."