Savanna Hoffman
University dropout rates in the UK have been rising in recent years, with over 40,000 undergraduate students withdrawing from courses between August 2022 and August 2023, according to the Student Loans Company. This figure represents a 5% increase from the previous year and is the highest since records began in 2018. While the UK has the lowest dropout rate among developed countries, the recent surge in withdrawals has sparked concerns among higher education institutions and the government. Various factors contribute to students dropping out, including financial distress, mental health issues, rigorous academic demands, and insufficient support. To address these challenges, universities are urged to provide better information for applicants, enhance living-cost support, and utilise big data to identify at-risk students. Despite the challenges, many students who drop out successfully pursue alternative paths, such as apprenticeships and graduate schemes, showcasing the array of opportunities available beyond university completion.
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What You'll Learn
Dropout rates by UK universities
Dropout rates at UK universities are a cause for concern for educators and the government alike. In 2019, the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, called on universities to tackle high dropout rates, which risked undermining the progress made in improving access to higher education. He urged universities to focus on successful participation and not just admissions. The Office for Students was empowered to take action if universities did not address the issue.
According to a 2020 report by Debut Careers, the average dropout rate for UK universities is 6.3%. London Metropolitan University has the highest dropout rate at 18.6%University of Cambridge has the lowest. The University of the Highlands and Islands has seen its dropout rate decrease by 19.1%University of Abertay Dundee has seen an increase of 7%.
Subject-wise, computer sciences have the highest dropout rate at 9.8%medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science have the lowest at 1.5%. The Debut Careers report also reveals that dropout rates have decreased across all universities over the last decade, from 7.3% in 2007/08 to 6.2% in 2017/18.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with universities predicting a record dropout rate in 2020. The pandemic has resulted in a loss of part-time jobs for students, a lack of socialising, and online learning, all of which have contributed to a worse university experience. University bosses are concerned that the pandemic will make dropout rates worse, with a Russell Group Vice-Chancellor expressing worry about the impact on students.
To stem the dropout rate, universities are implementing measures such as recruiting more student advisors and providing financial support to students.
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Dropout rates by subjects
Dropout rates at UK universities vary across different subjects, with some fields experiencing higher rates than others. Understanding these variations is crucial for improving student retention and success.
According to research, degrees in Dentistry and Veterinary Science have a dropout rate of 9.8%, ranking among the highest in the UK. Other subjects with notably high dropout rates include Administrative Studies (7.2%) and Creative Arts (7.4%). These degrees present unique challenges that contribute to the high dropout rates.
In contrast, degrees with the lowest dropout rates include Medicine & Dentistry, and Veterinary Science, with a rate of just 1.5% among young entrants. Other subjects with low dropout rates include Mass Communications and Communication, where students are more likely to complete their degrees successfully.
The reasons for dropping out are complex and varied. Financial stress, academic pressure, mental health challenges, and the lack of support systems can all contribute to a student's decision to leave their program. Additionally, the sudden change in lifestyle that comes with starting university can sometimes be overwhelming and impact a student's ability to continue their studies.
While the overall dropout rate in the UK has been rising, it is important to note that every subject has seen a reduced dropout rate over time. For example, Combined subjects reduced their dropout rate by 23.8%, while Physical Sciences dropped by 12.7%.
Understanding the factors influencing dropout rates in different subjects is essential for universities to implement proactive measures and provide adequate resources to support students in their academic journeys.
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Reasons for dropping out
While the UK has one of the lowest dropout rates among developed countries, dropout rates at UK universities are rising. In 2023, roughly one in 37 UK students dropped out, with a 28% rise in students not completing degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
There are many reasons why students drop out of university. Here are some of the most common ones:
Financial distress
Financial difficulties are a significant factor in student dropouts. In 2023, 8% of students who dropped out cited financial issues as their main reason, an increase from 3.5% in 2022. The rising cost of living and insufficient financial support can make it challenging for students to afford basic necessities, let alone the costs of higher education.
Mental health and well-being
Mental health concerns are another critical factor contributing to student dropouts. The pressure of academic studies, financial worries, and the stress of adapting to a new lifestyle can take a toll on students' mental health. Without adequate support and resources, some students may find it difficult to cope and may choose to leave their university.
Unexpected lifestyle changes
The transition to university life can be overwhelming for some students. The sudden change in lifestyle, including living away from home, managing finances, and navigating a new academic environment, can be challenging. For those who struggle to adapt, the stress and anxiety associated with these changes may lead them to consider dropping out.
Alternative opportunities
In some cases, students may discover alternative paths that better align with their interests or offer more attractive opportunities. For example, internships, apprenticeships, or graduate schemes can provide valuable work experience and a different route to personal and professional growth outside of the traditional university path.
Academic performance and support
Students who begin to struggle academically or feel withdrawn from their studies may consider dropping out. However, it is important for students to know that support is available. Speaking to a trusted individual, such as a student advisor or counsellor, can help address these concerns and explore alternative options, such as transferring to a more suitable course or institution.
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Solutions to reduce dropout rates
Dropout rates at UK universities are rising, with London Metropolitan University having the highest dropout rate of 18.6% and the University of Cambridge the lowest. The University of Surrey has implemented Dynamics 365 Customer Service for enquiry management to enhance the customer experience for students.
To reduce dropout rates, it is important to address students' worries in a timely manner and make them aware of the numerous options available. Universities should ensure that students receive the information and support they need, providing personalised communication via email, SMS, WhatsApp, and social media.
Students should be encouraged to explore the various support systems available, including recruitment companies, internships, schemes, and work experience. They should also be made aware that leaving an undergraduate course does not mean the end of opportunities, as there are many other options available, such as Higher/Degree apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
Universities can also play a role in curbing early withdrawals by giving students confidence that their courses will equip them with the necessary skills and by urging students who are worried about their circumstances to speak to the university. Additionally, the Office for Students can impose recruitment limits on courses that deliver poor outcomes for students, including low earnings and poor job prospects, to prevent the growth of low-quality courses.
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Dropout rates in 2023
Dropout rates in UK universities have been a cause for concern for several years, with a steady increase in the number of students leaving their courses. The latest data from the Student Loans Company (SLC) shows that this trend has continued into 2023. According to the SLC, 41,914 undergraduate students dropped out of their courses between August 2022 and August 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year. This is the highest figure since the data was first recorded in 2018-19.
When considering the whole of the UK, the actual number of dropouts is likely to be even higher as the SLC data only includes students studying in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, excluding Scotland. Furthermore, not all undergraduates receive student funding, so the figures do not represent the entire student population.
Several factors have been identified as contributing to the rising dropout rates. One significant issue is the cost-of-living crisis, which has placed a financial strain on students, with rising living costs cited as a primary reason for leaving higher education. Additionally, there has been a reported increase in mental health challenges among students, with a study by the Policy Institute at King's College London and Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) finding that mental health was a key reason for undergraduates considering dropping out in 2022-23.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and related disruptions to learning, as well as industrial action, cannot be understated. The pandemic also influenced grading systems, with some suggesting that generous grading during the pandemic led to students struggling with the demands of university syllabuses.
While some universities have lower dropout rates, such as Cambridge with 1% and Oxford with 2%, others have notably higher rates. For example, the University of Bedfordshire had a dropout rate of 32%, and London Metropolitan University saw 22.2% of students leave their courses.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, 6 in every 100 students (6.3%) drop out of university in the UK. However, the dropout rate varies across the country. England has a dropout rate of 2.7%, while Wales and Northern Ireland have rates of 3.3% and 2.4%, respectively.
London Metropolitan University has the highest dropout rate in the UK at 18.6%. The University of Suffolk previously had a high non-continuation rate of 25% in 2019, which decreased to 13.6% in 2020.
The University of Cambridge has the lowest dropout rate in the UK. Other universities with low dropout rates include St George's, University of London (1.9%), the University of St Andrews (2.1%), and the London School of Economics and Political Science (2.4%).
There are various factors that contribute to students dropping out of university in the UK. One factor is the sudden change in lifestyle and the overwhelming transition from school to university. Additionally, the rise in living costs and the need to balance work with studying have been cited as reasons for leaving.
The UK has the lowest dropout rate among developed countries, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute. This is partly due to the academic selection process and the relatively short length of undergraduate degrees.
