University News Last updated 22 May 2013
Part-time students at Birmingham City University are an important part of our learning community. Around 6,000 people studied part-time with us, across a range of courses, during the 2011/12 academic year.
Our part-time learners represent all walks of life and experiences, ranging from entrepreneur Nasser Hussain who has set up his own online business, to project manager Sarah Brookbank, a high-flying women working in a man’s world of construction.
To celebrate these inspiring adult learners, many balancing careers and life commitments with their learning, the University is backing a national campaign to promote the benefits of part-time study.
Part-time Matters is being run by higher education action group Universities UK, and highlights the positive impact that part-time study has on the individual, employers and society.
The number of people studying part-time in higher education often goes unnoticed in the mainstream media and in parliament, especially when compared to the full-time route. However, around a third of all students are studying part-time in higher education.
Part-time study is important for a number of reasons – not least, it supports the competitiveness of the UK economy by enabling people to retrain later on in life and it provides an important route into higher education for those from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The national ‘Part-time matters’ also supports ‘Adult Learners’ Week’ (18-24 May 2013), which is organised by the National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education.
If you‘re interested in finding out more about part-time study at Birmingham City University, have a look on our website or call 0121 331 5595.
Profile: Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain chose to undertake a part-time (HNC) Business and Management course at Birmingham City University, to hone his practical skills to help run his online retail business, Qwick Fit Ltd.
Given the competitive nature of today’s climate, Nasser was looking for a relevant course that would help to develop the vision of his business as well as developing new techniques to help improve quality and get the best out of his staff.
With all his classes being in the evening, the part-time mode of study gave Nasser the chance to adapt his studies to his regular working commitments. The process of juggling both studying and running his own business helped to develop Nasser’s time management skills, who said the aid of university’s online learning portal (Moodle) proved to be particularly valuable during his time on the course.
Nasser said: “The main advantage of being an adult learner is that classes are smaller, which allows for more individual time with tutors. The people on the course are going through the same process as you are, which is a great way to pick up tips and deal with any issues together.
“I have applied what I learnt in the classroom to my own business and as well as developing a new way of dealing with stakeholders, I have also noticed a positive difference in my revenue. My advice to anyone considering part time education is to just do it - live the dream, enjoy learning, improve your opportunities and aspire for your goals.”
Qwick Fit focus on the sale of specialist shoes for men and women, including a large range of outdoor and safety footwear. Having now successfully completed his (HNC) Business and Management course, Nasser plans to undertake the (HND) Business and Management as a ‘top-up’ to develop a deeper understanding of business and management principles.
Tell us your story
We want to hear from current students and alumni from Birmingham City University about the impact that studying part-time has had your lives. Get in touch via the Press Office on 0121 331 6738, email press@bcu.ac.uk or via Twitter BCUPressOffice.