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Widening participation

Widening participation in higher education is a key priority for the Department for Employment and Learning. Widening participation in higher education facilitates and increases the participation of those groups, which are currently under represented in HE in particular students from disadvantaged backgrounds and students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

The aim of the policy is to ensure that all those who have the ability to benefit from higher education have the opportunity to do so. Higher education and the opportunities that it brings should be available to all, regardless of their background.

The Department is addressing the issue of widening participation in higher education through a number of broad policy directions and a number of specific actions. These include:

  • an increase in domestic HE (& FE) provision
  • the expansion of Foundation Degrees
  • a widening participation premium for students from disadvantaged backgrounds;
  • a widening access premium for students with disabilities;
  • special initiative funding to develop partnerships between the universities and schools with traditionally low levels of participation in HE
  • capital funding to assist the universities improve access for disabled students.

Widening Participation consultation

The Department consulted on the development of a Regional Strategy for Widening Participation in March - June 2011. The Department is currently developing a Regional Strategy for Widening Participation in Higher Education which will form part of a Higher Education Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Presentations and Transcript from the Widening Participation Event-Balymena May 2010

Widening Participation Event - 19 May 2010

The Department for Employment and Learning held a 'Widening Participation Event at the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena on the 19 May 2011 as a means of gathering views on widening participation in higher education for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and with learning difficulties and disabilities.  

A powerpoint presentation of the presentations made at the event is available below:

Review of Widening Participation Funded Initiatives

The Department commissioned an independent review of the initiatives which it funds to encourage Widening Participation in Higher Education.  The review covered the three academic years from 2006/07 to 2008/09 and the final report and appendices can be viewed below.