The Learning and Skills Development Agency was commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to carry out research into non-prescribed higher education (NPHE) programmes delivered in FE colleges.   The project remit was to quantify NPHE, analyse participation trends, evaluate the local and national contribution of NPHE, report on National Qualifications framework (NQF) issues and consider future funding. Findings were based on institutional data analysis and a research survey was also conducted. 

The paper sets out definitions of ‘prescribed’ and ‘non-prescribed’ higher education and the background of Parliamentary Acts and funding policies which have impacted on NPHE
National policy and initiatives are discussed in terms of their significance to NPHE. 

The paper outlines issues surrounding national frameworks for qualifications and building coherence between two frameworks - that of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) - and the ongoing work by these bodies relating to classification of NPHC.  

The research includes an analysis of statistical data produced over three academic years 1998/99 –
2000/01 by the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) and LSC.   (The analysis provides breakdowns of the data, by enrolments, student age, programme area, qualification type).  

Section five provides findings of a survey involving eight colleges to ascertain:  the place of NPCG within each college, its contribution to vocational and HE strategies and data on trends.                                                                                                 
The paper concludes by identifying significant issues, further action and setting out implications for colleges.

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