This summary presents the main findings from research undertaken for the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to understand the current nature of higher education
(HE) in further education colleges (FECs) in England. The study was carried out between
March 2011 and March 2012 by a team from the University of Sheffield and the Institute of
Education, University of London.
The research involved a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including: a
review of the relevant literature; an analysis of administrative data on provision and
participation; fieldwork in case-study FECs; interviews with managers in colleges and their
partner higher education institutions (HEIs); a questionnaire survey of students coupled
with in-class discussion groups; and interviews with employers.
An overview of the design and conduct of the study is given in Chapter 1, including its
aims, sources, methods and timetable. Methods of data collection and analysis are also
described in relevant chapters and appendices
