Different Backgrounds Lead to Different Student Experiences of HE

HEFCE’s recent report Higher education and beyond: outcomes from full-time first degree study highlights that students experience and benefit from higher education differently depending on their background. The report looks at degree attainment and subsequent employment of students from the 2006/07 cohort.

The report highlights that disabled students receiving Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) are more likely to achieve a 1st or 2:1 degree than disabled students who don’t receive DSA. On completion of their first degree, they are also more likely to be in employment or further study, and more likely to be in a graduate job.

The report also adds to the growing body of evidence that students from minority ethnic backgrounds have a different experience of HE from their white peers. This points to the need for more inclusive curriculum design, assessments and culture.

Equality Challenge Unit have produced guidance in response to the report, found at: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/news/different-backgrounds-lead-to-different-student-experiences-of-he