2 SEPTEMBER 1949, Page 18

EXTERNAL STUDENTS

SIR,—The article which appeared on the Undergraduate Page in your issue of August 19th set forth admirably the difficulties encountered in their studies by external students at universities. Yet the suggestion that the State should refund the fees incurred in obtaining a degree seems to me, an external student, not only expensive, but likely to find very little support in official circles. The State in conjunction with the B.B.C. could, however, at a comparatively low cost help external students immensely by creating a " Fourth Programme" devoted to the broad- casting of lectures. Such a step would create in the long run, I have no doubt, a nation of academicians.—I am, Sir, yours truly,