Degrees of difference: examining the scope, provision and equity effects of degrees in vocational institutions: interim project report

The project aims to identify effects on equity of broadening participation to undergraduate degrees through the recent expansion of higher education in vocational institutions and understand the effects of these degrees on enabling the higher education system to respond to the global drivers for social and economic restructuring through new forms of distinction. The intended outcome will provide policy relevant knowledge for institutions, States and national government about the effects of this expansion on creating opportunities for more equity groups to obtain degrees and for the higher education system to better drive national innovation and economic restructuring in ways that gives a fairer chance to all equity groups to participate. The research contributes to strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric, examining the expansion of higher education by increasing the choice of degrees offered in vocational institutions and fairer chances for equity groups to access high level employment. The research will impact and inform the activities of vocational institutions offering degrees, and inform Australian government strategies in reforming higher education to meet national innovation needs for economic restructuring. The project research will be based in a number of case study sites and the research design includes: analysis of public statistical data and documents; interviews with staff and sector representatives; focus groups with students and graduates; survey of students; focus groups with employers, career counsellors and migration agents.