The Unravelling of a Sector: does the introduction of fees spell the end of education for all?

This paper offers the results of a single university department (Sociology) where the entire undergraduate body was broken down by entry-year based cohorts (1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99) and demographics ('sex', 'age at entry', and whether or not the student was first in family to attend university) using a questionnaire. Their attitudes towards the current financial predicaments of students were assessed. Results indicate that there are fewer mature students in the two more recent-year cohorts (possible reasons are discussed). Also, responses, where divisions occur, are largely age-group related, with the split being at the 'under 30'/'over 30' point (age groupings are discussed). Students over 30 being more cautious about debt and feeling that mature students need greater financial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]