Part-time work recommended by universities

Some universities support the idea of students undertaking part-time work as they feel it can benefit an undergraduate's studies, one expert has said.

Director of National Association of Student Employment Services, Alison Clark, noted that many students are working during term time and in the summer break, with many institutions backing the idea.

'Some institutions feel that working no more than 15 hours per week during term time positively impacts a student's academic performance,' she said.

During the summer, when students have fewer commitments they will pursue work that is related to the course or industry they eventually want to work in, Ms Clark stated.

She added that such experience can help undergraduates to 'reflect and articulate the skills and knowledge they are developing.'

Last summer, the number of students taking on part-time work dropped to 41%, compared to 45% in 2006, research from the Royal Bank of Scotland found.