Birkbeck, University of London - Fees for second degrees held

There will be no increase this year in tuition fees for students studying for second degrees at Birkbeck, University of London, even though the Government has cut funding for students taking courses at an equivalent or lower level than qualifications they have already (ELQs). In December, there were warnings that the ELQ cuts would force universities to raise their fees as high as £7,000, but Birkbeck has said it will not make any increases for students who start in 2008. David Latchman, master of Birkbeck, said it was too late in the admissions cycle to introduce new fee structures. "Introducing a higher fee for 2008 entry would put some students off and cause confusion. We think this decision offers an opportunity for ELQ students to sign up now and avoid any step change in fees." He said Birkbeck would have no option but to increase fees for students starting in 2009, but it is working to develop alternative academic routes that allow students to access appropriate, affordable programmes from 2009. Details will be published in the 2008-09 prospectus.