I am afraid I have nothing constructive to contribute, hatallas, but the title of this thread caught my eye and I thought it a suitable forum to mount one of my hobby horses.
Having undergone intensive training as a navigator in the RAF, I was astounded at the contrast in the level of work required when I studied for a degree at a "good" English university in my 40s. It struck me that the 3 year course could have easily been contracted to two years. The ludicrously long vacations which are there theoretically to enable academic staff to pursue their research commitments are in most cases an excuse for lengthy holidays, whilst the leisurely teaching commitment on a weekly basis would be the envy of any school teacher. Both staff and students conspire in the lie that the three year course allows for time for "reflection" when in fact this translates as more time for boozing and sex.
Now I'm not against boozing and sex, hedonism is very pleasant, but at least there should be a two year alternative leading to an honours degree offered to those students in a hurry who are willing to get up before midday and put the hours and the effort in.