Project Leader: Dr Matthew Dickson, Department of Education

Although Universities are recognising the barriers faced by a number of students and increasing the widening participation (WP) agenda, there are still groups that are underrepresented in higher education. The idea of barriers in this study defines the patterns in particular social groups, portrayed by their socio-economic status, ethnic background or disability. The project will focus on these three groups in particular from the underrepresented groups listed by the Office for Students. This study aims to explore the barriers faced by underrepresented students and analyse the correlation between participation in the placement year/study exchanges and better graduate outcomes. Project Leader: Dr Victoria Stephenson, Department of Architecture and Cvil Engineering (ACE)

This project will build on an extensive literature review of the existing studies, with the aim to answer the question: What barriers to participation are underrepresented groups of students facing when considering a work placement or study abroad opportunity?

Report and finding due Autumn 2025