Funding turns on completion not pass

Len Arthur (THES, May 3) expresses concern regarding the method by which the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales is to fund part-time provision from next year onwards; in particular that funding will be based on outputs (defined by him as the successful completion of modules). This is not so. To date the HEFCW has allocated funds on the basis of the number of students who complete a year of study, whether successful or not. It intends to maintain this approach, albeit on the basis of the completion of a module where modular provision is concerned. Information on successful completion will not be sought.

The HEFCW has noted that, in principle, it might be possible to adapt its funding method so that account could be taken of success, but it has not pursued the matter further.

Arthur notes that the steps being taken by the HEFCW will encourage the modularisation of all courses. In fact most higher education institutions in Wales are moving towards a modular framework and the HEFCW is responding to that movement. However the funding method will still allow account to be taken of provision which has not been modularised.

Roland Wynne Head of the Higher Education Funding Council Division Welsh Funding Councils Llanishen, Cardiff