Between the academic years 2010-11 and 2016-17, the number of people studying part-time at UK universities fell by 37%, with those students studying undergraduate courses part time falling by 47%. Prior research suggests that in addition to changes to the undergraduate funding system in England, factors such as the economic downturn have contributed to the reduction in the number of students able to self-fund part-time study, and a reduction in the number of employers willing to support employees through part-time study over the period in question (Student Funding Panel, 2015). This report explores the socio-economic profile of the prospective students who have considered, but not pursued, part-time higher education since 2010. The research explores their reasons and motivations for considering part-time study, the reasons why they didn't end up completing a higher education course, and the impact this has had on their lives. The findings show that the cost of tuition fees was the most frequently cited reason for not starting part-time study. The lack of flexibility around life commitments and work during study is also a significant reason for lost learners not starting part-time higher education, and the most common reason for dropping out of study. The research also uncovered the emotional impact as well as the practical implications on life progression since not taking up part-time higher education. The aim of the study is to inform the Universities UK (UUK) project on flexible learning, which examines the extent to which the UK's productivity can be improved through greater flexible learning opportunities in higher education. UUK's project aims to feed into the wider government review of the post-18 education and funding system.