Widening Participation in Postgraduate Study

The NEON Working Group aims to bring together practitioners and researchers to share best practice, innovate and test models that will:

• Widen access to postgraduate taught and doctoral study addressing gaps where there is under-representation. This includes a project to trial the use of additional criteria in the admissions process;
• Contribute to the depth and breadth of understanding of barriers to, and within postgraduate study, sharing research and considering intersections of disadvantage;
• Consider metrics for the evaluation of intervention activity to support progression of under-represented groups, and within, postgraduate study;
• Seek opportunities to share best practice at a national level

In addition to the regular meetings of the working group, there are currently three special interest groups involving colleagues from across the sector, collaborating to lead themed areas and progress areas of work:

1. Sources of Information, Advice, and Guidance at Pre-Application Stage. Lead: Ann-Marie Houghton (Lancaster University, a.houghton@lancaster.ac.uk). This special interest group will focus on the sources of information, advice, and guidance available to students prior to applying to Postgraduate study, including looking at how we reach target groups who would benefit from additional support.
2. Careers and Employability. Lead: Iwi Ugiagbe-Green (Manchester Metropolitan University, i.ugiagbe-green@mmu.ac.uk). This special interest group aims to better understand career planning needs for postgraduate students
3. Student Voice. Lead: Sherry Iqbal (University of Leeds, s.b.Iqbal@leeds.ac.uk). This special interest group aims to embed student voice in the activities of the main working group.

In July 2022, the Working Group launched a strategy blueprint and pledge of intent to work collaboratively to bring about positive change. The Group recognise organisations will be at different points in the journey and joining this pledge will provide a supportive environment in which to share practice and to improve the representation of under-represented groups in postgraduate study.

In Spring 2023 the NEON Widening Participation in Postgraduate Study Network launched a project to collate and publish case studies showcasing the great ongoing work to implement the strategy blueprint – widening access and enhancing experiences in postgraduate study. For more information on the first wave of these case studies, launched in Autumn 2023, please click here.

Throughout the 2024/25 academic year, the “Student Experience Amongst Diverse Groups in PG Study” Workstream created a baseline survey for colleagues to use as an internal self-assessment tool within their organisations. Members of this group are encouraged to use this self-assessment tool and its accompanying guidance of their own provision. Discussions around areas of good practice and areas for development will be raised in group meetings.

Please see terms of reference here or for more information about this Working Group contact Liv Powell at O.S.C.Powell@leeds.ac.uk.

You can access the presentations and supporting materials from the Working Group in the members-only evidence hub.