Record numbers tuning in to Open University

Its late-night broadcasts on BBC2 were for years the only exposure most young people ever had to the Open University. But new figures show the institution has recorded a huge increase in the number of under-25s studying for qualifications, as young Scots try to avoid crippling levels of student debt, writes Chris Marshall for The Scotsman.

Traditionally associated with older students, the OU has seen a 48% increase in young Scots taking up courses in the past five years. The figure came as a report from the Bank of Scotland said 15% of Scottish students do not have enough money to meet their monthly outgoings. While Scottish students studying in their own country remain exempt from tuition fees, the cost of living remains a concern for many.

Last month, figures released by the Universities and Colleges Admission Service showed there had been a 2% fall in applications from Scots to Scottish universities.
Full report on the http://Scotsman.com site