The present study is the first part of a longitudinal study following the progress of the first generation of Open University students through the university. It concentrates on the initial cohort of students, those entering in 1971. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to collect data, and covered in some detail the students' educational and…

The threats to adult higher education are rapidly becoming significant educational and social problems. To date, the hope of adult educators to become equal participants with other university divisions in higher education has not been realized. Simultaneous expansion and dilution of adult higher education have caused adult student demands for…