Scholarly activity building HE experience in an FE environment

Purpose This paper considers the role that scholarly activity plays in the HE experience within an FE College environment and the impact that it has delivering Higher Education within the UK Further Education College environment (known as College Based Higher Education) has been a significant feature of the educational landscape within UK higher education over the last 30 years. Critics have pointed to the failure of staff within FE environments to undertake research and scholarly activity, which they determine is fundamental to Higher Education. Design/methodology/approach This research explores into the notion of scholarly activity and what that means within a CBHE environment, and how this can assist in the creation of a HE culture and thus a HE experience for both staff and students. The research adopts a qualitative approach using interviews with nine staff to gather thoughts on the HE-ness of the provision within the context of scholarship. Findings Responses from the interviewees demonstrated a high level of participation in scholarly activity, but which was not necessarily defined or described as such, and did not adopt as narrow a view as may occur within a University, where research prevails. It is evident that staff are keen to engage but significant barriers prevail, which inhibits, notably time, funds and teaching commitments. Crucially it is questioned whether CBHE should be looking to mirror a HE culture or whether a new CBHE culture is what is needed. Originality/value The paper addresses approaches to developing a HE experience within college-based higher education, also called HE in FE. While this article is UK focussed, it has relevance to a broader international dimension for institutions which are teaching focussed and open to a broader interpretation of scholarly activity.