The use of cognitive enhancers by students at a post-92 university in England

<p dir="ltr">Higher education students are known worldwide to use cognitive enhancers (CEs), but more research is needed on their prevalence in the UK. The most recent UK data was collected in 2018, and was from an “intensive”, as opposed to a “post-92” institution (a university established after 1992), where prevalence and patterns of use may be different. This study used an online survey to determine the prevalence of CE use at a post-92 institution in England. Questions explored factors such as ethnicity, broad programme topic, full-time or part-time study, year and level (undergraduate or postgraduate) of study, and whether respondents were employed alongside studying. A lifetime CE use of 19% was reported, which is at the top end of the range of previously reported rates in the UK of 3–21%. This rate is higher than other European countries, but similar to the rate at “intensive” UK universities, suggesting workload may not be the only motivator. Participants’ reasons for CE use included improving concentration and motivation, and staying awake for an assignment. Although this study was undertaken at only one university during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic and has a small sample size (<i>n</i> = 78), we believe the findings will be of interest to universities across the UK seeking to tackle the supply and use of CEs, and some specific suggestions for those developing policies are given.</p>