Why widen?

Twitter: @mariocreatura

‘There is no single definition of widening participation and we have not tried to provide one. [We use] the expression widening participation to denote activities to target the individual groups that HEIs have identified as under-represented and to ensure their success.’

Strategies for widening participation in higher education: A guide to good practice, HEFCE (2001)

What is university for?

Academia To get a job Time to ponder future

All of the above Other ______________

What are the main reasons for you wanting

to go to university?

1.“to gain qualifications” (68%)

2.“to improve my chances of getting a job” (53%)

3.“to improve my earning potential” (44%)

NUS Student Experience Report, 2008

NUS Student Experience Report, 2008

84% didn’t feel ‘completely equipped’

31 per cent claim it isn't worth the investment.

57 per cent believe a university education is less valuable than it was 10 years ago.

47 per cent claiming degrees no longer give you a head start in working life.

37 per cent admit they used to want their offspring to go to university but now don't think it's the best option.

38 per cent claim they believe their son or daughter may have a better chance of success with a vocational qualification. 

‘More than half feel they have not received enough information about the new fees system’

‘Young people from disadvantaged areas are now substantially more likely to enter higher education since the mid-2000s…’ where disadvantage is defined as ‘neighbourhood participation rates themselves, or by measures of parental education, occupation or income.’

‘Trends in young participation in higher

education’, HEFCE, 2010

+30% in the past five years

+50% in the past 15 years

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Future Fit: preparing graduates for the world of work, 2010

~ ~

The definition of

value is changing

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

Advising to ensure the

motivation of the student fits the mission of the

higher education institution

Information, advice and guidance should

be tailored to the requirements of the individual, not the

widening participation targets of the state.

Mario Creatura, 2011Twitter: @mariocreatura