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The well-known journalist was speaking up for part-time study as she takes over as the new president of Birkbeck, University of London.

Baroness Bakewell said she will be championing the part-time sector after figures published last month showed student numbers have dropped by 40 per cent since 2010.

¡°Part-time study and flexible learning are going to play a big part in the future of our society,¡± she told the Times Higher Education.

¡°It improves skills and kick-starts new careers ¨C exactly what we need for the economy, employers and individuals during these difficult economic times,¡± she said.

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¡°With a dramatic downturn in part-time students, unprecedented support is needed now to ensure part-time study thrives.

¡°I think it is very important to keep the pressure up on government. I certainly intend to be vocal.¡±

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Baroness Bakewell, who has recently been a champion for pensioners, said she hoped to raise awareness about part-time study with older people.

¡°Learning goes right through the generations. It is not age-specific and it should be an aspiration at any time in your life,¡± she said.

¡°Part-time study is an amazing opportunity, particularly because many part-time students can now access loans for tuition fees.

¡°Older people need to know the opportunities are there and I hope to spread that message.¡±

Baroness Bakewell, who turns 80 next week, was elected to the honorary and ceremonial role of president by Birkbeck¡¯s governors, succeeding the late Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm ¨C who taught Baroness Bakewell while she was a history student at the University of Cambridge in the 1950s.

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¡°He was an extraordinary man with a great mind. I was very lucky to have one-to-one tuition with him,¡± Baroness Bakewell said. ¡°He adored Birkbeck and it too was devoted to him.¡±

She said she shared Professor Hobsbawm¡¯s belief that Birkbeck provided unique opportunities for people to study in London.

¡°There is a vast segment of people who haven¡¯t had the opportunity to access university and there needs to be greater appreciation of this,¡± she said.

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¡°Birkbeck is well-placed to answer the needs of what is increasingly a very flexible workforce.¡±

David Latchman, master of Birkbeck, said: ¡°We are delighted to welcome Baroness Joan Bakewell as president of Birkbeck at this historic and critical moment for the university sector.

¡°She is a passionate supporter of part-time higher education and non-traditional students, and brings her valuable experience as a journalist and campaigner to this important role.

¡°We look forward to working with Joan to continue to promote the all-important, but neglected, benefits of flexible evening study to students, employers, the economy and society.¡±

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jack.grove@tsleducation.com