Master's Loan Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the UK Government's Master's Degree Loan Scheme, introduced in 2016 to facilitate postgraduate study among domestic students and enhance the skilled workforce. The evaluation employed a mix of primary research with students and staff from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), secondary analysis of historical data, and surveys and interviews to assess the scheme's impact on student enrollment, funding decisions, and HEIs. The findings reveal that the loan scheme has led to increased enrollment, particularly among Black students and those from middle tariff institutions, with many students relying on the loan for their studies. It has also shifted funding patterns, reducing self-funding and increasing reliance on employment wages, without crowding out other funding sources. Some HEIs have responded by adjusting course offerings and increasing fees for loan-eligible courses. While the loan is generally well-received and believed to enhance future earning potential, concerns remain about its sufficiency and the financial challenges it poses for some students. The evaluation concludes that the Master's Loan has positively influenced postgraduate study decisions, enabling earlier and increased access to education, though it has also led to increased course fees. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: May 2019

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes