A paper from the STEM Annual Conference 2014.
The aims of this paper are fourfold. Firstly it will set the scene by briefly outlining the issues facing the Postgraduate Taught (qualifications by coursework) sector in the UK. Secondly it will report the key findings of an HEA Individual Teaching Grant funded project undertaken at a Post 1992 University across STEM subjects which explored some of the nationally neglected issues facing the sector. Thirdly it will report how this valuable research informed and provided the foundation of a successful 11 institutional bid to HEFCE seeking to understand the barriers drivers motivations and outcomes facing PGT students as well as UK employers’ needs. Fourthly it will highlight funding opportunities by the HEA and HEFCE for projects that encourage better targeted and sustainable support for students improved course design to provide students with the skills business and industry require and institutional and national strategies that are fit purpose in growing and sustaining the PGT market in the UK.