Investigating an age threshold for independence at postgraduate level | A report for HEFCE

In a new report for HEFCE - Investigating an age threshold for independence at postgraduate level; CPC members have investigated the age at which young adults might be treated as independent from their parents in terms of assessment of eligibility for postgraduate funding.

The study investigates a range of influencing factors including; age distribution, demographic and socio-economic status and how young graduates' circumstances relate to their parents' socio-economic background.

Using the best available data, principally Understanding Society, the Labour Force Survey and the HESA Student Record; the report concludes that the decision to undertake further postgraduate study must be viewed in the context of increasing uncertainties in the young adult life course. Young people's transitions into adulthood are becoming more protracted, complex and non-linear.

The full report by CPC Member Ann Berrington, along with CPC Associate Adriana Duta and Paul Wakeling can be found on the HEFCE Website.

Posted 01/12/2015 12:31