ulster.ac.uk Embedding widening access and participation (WAP) in NI: from policy to sustained participation Professor Ruth Fee SHRE 16 th February 2016 Content Brief overview of HE in NI The policy drivers for WAP strategy From policy to practice at Ulster University Taking policy seriously a case study Sustainability and conflicting goals Higher Education in NI Providers and Reach Ulster University Magee, Belfast, Coleraine, Jordanstown Queens University Open University Stranmillis College St Marys College Popn: 1,840,500 June % growth since : exceed 2 million HE Providers Greater Belfast Ulster University Queens Belfast Open University St Marys College Stranmillis College FE Colleges Northern Ireland HE in FE Enrolments on HE Courses in FE 2012/13 All tables from Figuring it Out (2015) Ulster University Collaborative Provision 207 collaborative courses Includes HE and FE Access to HE Diploma Policy Environment Data and Trends Gender breakdown of entrants to HE in NI Enrolments at HEIs in NI by Religion 50% of students go on to HE 64,000 from NI in UK Ulster/QUB: 49,160 (2013) 23% leave NI (down from 45% in 1970s); most to NW England and Scotland 2% increase in 10yrs Female dominance 84% are from NI; 5% ROI; 4% GB; Other 7% Widening Access and Participation The problem % of young full-time first degree entrants domiciled in the UK from under-represented groups 2012/13 Highest participation rate.higher proportion of young people in classes 4- 7 attending HE. Drop SEC4? Drops to 25%. Census data shows that classes 5-7 make up 45% of general population FEC: students are older, PT, areas of low participation Marginalised: groups 5-7; young Protestant males; persons with disabilities; and older learners Policy Focus Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) September 2012 Access to Success Integrated regional strategy Focus on marginalised groups Initiatives include: increase in provision at HE and FE; expansion of FdSc; a WAP premium for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; WAP premium for students with disabilities; special funding initiatives for partnerships between HE and schools with low levels of participation in HE Access to Success, DEL, 2012 Summary of themes and key actions Coming to HEand staying at HE Numbers of student with a disability in HE in NI % of FT, first degree entrants failing to continue in HE in NI 2013/14 following entry in 2012/13 Numbers of students in HE with a disability growing 4.7% FT NI students receive DSA grant compared to 4.4% Scotland; 7.3% Wales and 6.7% England Inspire to Aspire Retention: 13/14 6% were no longer in HE UK average 5.7% England 5.7% Wales 5.4% Scotland 6.6% Implementing the Policy Ulster University WAP Strategy The new Strategy (2015/16) incorporates: a focus across the entire student trajectory from pre-entry outreach in primary and post-primary schools to the transition to Higher Education (HE); expanded opportunities for participation in HE, particularly those from high deprivation/low participation neighbourhoods, to address regional pockets of underrepresentation; implementation of flexible, and accessible HE pathways across schools, colleges, communities and work-based learning sectors; embedding of widening access in all aspects of the work of faculties and departments across the institution; Ulster University WAP Strategy Student Finance University Access Bursaries eligible students will receive a bursary of 358 per annum to help meet the costs associated with their course Fostering Aspiration Bursaries - the University provides a care-leaver bursary of 1,000 per annum Ulster University Fund - supports a comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes of up to 1,000 Widening Access and Participation (WAP) Fund - will cover financial assistance to of up to 5,000 students to support international study and work placement opportunities Ulster University WAP Other Initiatives & Cost Science Shop, Step-up, Tutoring in Schools, Looked After and Care Experienced Young People Putting WAP into Practice Access Agreement Projects Community and Youth Work at Ulster Certificate, Degree and Masters level provision Long history of working with WAP students New project to reach out to marginalised young people Community and Youth Work WAP in Practice Community and Youth Work WAP in Practice Raise the visibility of HE in communities and raise aspiration within those communities to see HE as a real option. young adults classified as NEET, late engagement young adults and mature adult returners who can achieve level 4 university accreditation, in particular from low participation/urban/ neighbourhood renewal area. Adds value, which benefits individuals and the wider economy; addresses the NI skills agenda and the key action points within Access to Success with partnership being core to success Taster modules are learner focused; enable participants to achieve academic credit in a way that suits their individual circumstances; these credits can be accumulated on either the CPPD framework or Certificate in Community Youth Studies Widening Access Module Partnered with 3 Organisations: Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre (BURC) Education Authority Western Region YouthAction Northern Ireland Identified Locations Newry Fermanagh Derry Limavady Omagh Belfast Ballymena Ulster University Access Agreement Support The Provision and Delivery Modules Applied Physical Theatre for Youth Work Coordinating Community Projects Diversity and Young People Street Based Youth Work Active Citizenship Preparation for Success Sustainable Communities Delivery has been Evenings, Weekends and residential Majority are engaged in Level 2/3 community youth work training, modules are built around this training Motivation and Factors Influencing Decision to Study Pre-Study Ambition to study at University 10% indicated it was not a priority 26% reported it was a low priority Reason for study most important factors 68% choice of subject (community youth work) 67% offered within their local community 61% delivery partner organisation 59% studying with Ulster University 52% payment of bursaries and 51% studying with people they knew Motivation, Impact and Future Study Post-Study 40% indicated they were much more motivated, 42% more motivated with only 16% reporting no change 68% very likely, 16% likely to undertaking a full programme of study (certificate or degree) having completed the outreach module 32% reported that they had applied for a course at Ulster University after completing the outreach module. It made me appreciate the help and opportunities that are out there for young people like me. Challenges Ahead? Sustaining Success Reduction in HE Numbers & Provision Recent Developments Provision of FT UG Degree Courses, UK Provision of Principle Subject Degree Courses in NI Opposing pressures 8.6m cut in budget Ulster Cuts 1250 student places 210 staff QUB Cuts 1010 student places 236 staff Impact Some final thoughts. WAP sustained? Success in communities, student numbers and collaborative provision Grants and bursaries Bursaries from Ulster not repaid for WAP Student loans 3,805 compared to 9K Repay at 17,335 Finance the here and now? Loss of MaSN places and student mobility What gives? Ring-fenced WAP..for now Risk of HE returning to elitist institutions Drumming circle celebration References For further information contact DEL Access to Success (2012) https://www.delni.gov.uk/publications/ higher-education-strategy-documents Ulster University WAPFiguring it Out (2015) Gray, Horgan and Leightonks/FIO2015.pdf (many more references contained within this publication and at)www.ark.ac.uk