Despite a challenging landscape for higher education in the UK, healthcare education provider Learna has reported robust enrolment figures for its postgraduate programmes. In March, Learna enrolled 1,063 new postgraduate students, bucking the national trend of declining student numbers.
Learna’s success comes as UK universities face a downturn in enrolments, with recent data showing a 33% drop in study visas issued compared to the previous year. The reduction in student numbers is partly attributed to rising visa fees, decreased bursary funding, and tighter government controls, which have deterred international students from studying in the UK.
Rachel Ellis, Chief Commercial Officer at Learna, highlighted the company’s ability to thrive despite the sector’s difficulties. “Learna’s March intake breaks the trend of falling student numbers across UK institutions. Our results reflect the growing demand for quality and flexibility in postgraduate education,” Ellis said.
Learna’s model offers students the flexibility to learn from anywhere, addressing logistical and financial challenges that often accompany traditional university education. This approach has proven particularly attractive to healthcare professionals, who frequently juggle demanding schedules.
Ellis added, “Healthcare professionals face busy careers, but that shouldn’t prevent them from advancing their qualifications. Our flexible learning model has enabled many to pursue postgraduate education without compromising their work commitments or financial stability. This commitment to flexibility and quality has earned the trust of healthcare professionals, who recognise the value of furthering their expertise with Learna.”
In contrast to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions, which have been forced to adapt to new circumstances since the COVID-19 pandemic, Learna has consistently operated with a flexible model since its inception. This adaptability has allowed the company to continue attracting students despite the broader decline in enrolments.
Looking ahead, Learna is optimistic about its September intake, aiming to surpass the strong results of the Spring session. “In these challenging times, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge to address the growing skills gap and improve patient outcomes. Learna remains dedicated to providing high-quality, flexible education to support the future of the healthcare sector,” Ellis concluded.
As the UK education sector navigates these turbulent conditions, Learna’s strong enrolment figures offer a beacon of hope and highlight the potential of flexible learning models in meeting the evolving needs of students and professionals alike.