People

Widening participation is about nurturing talent across all parts of society and continuing to represent and be relevant to the communities we serve, whether local, national or international.  

We’re proud to be known as a world-class and highly selective research-driven institution. However, we’re even more proud to be known as a place which welcomes students from all backgrounds and provides an exciting, inclusive and supportive environment in which all students can feel they can belong and can grow, thrive and succeed through their studies at the University. 

The University continues to meet the Commission for Widening Access target of 10 per cent of our intake coming from the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland, known as the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 20 (SIMD20). This year, 10.7 per cent of our intake came from SIMD20. 

In 2024, we launched our Widening Participation Strategy 2030, refreshing our commitment to widening participation and continuing to work towards the University’s Strategy 2030 ambition to be leading Scotland’s commitment to widening participation. Our six priorities are: 

YourEd+ is an intensive attainment and aspiration raising programme for pupils in S5 and S6. It aims to support pupils who have the potential to go to university to achieve desired grades and successfully transition into university level study. It is spread out over four phases: study skills, subject week (studying on campus), assignment/summer project and e-mentoring.  

Participants must attain certain academic requirements at one of our partner schools and meet at least one of the following criteria:   

The programme makes a profound impact on the educational experience of its participants. Read The science of widening participation (right) to find out how. 

In 2023/24, the University’s Study and Work Away Service launched its Mobility for All Strategy 2030. 

Currently, we offer students around 4,000 study or work abroad opportunities annually, with nearly 80% of placements undertaken by undergraduates. This figure represents about 10% of our student body. However, Universities UK research shows disadvantaged and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students are 50% less likely to go abroad. 

As part of the Curriculum Transformation Programme, we are embedding experiential learning, including international experiences, into the curriculum. Sustainability considerations, especially given the climate emergency, also drive this strategy. 

Our three-pronged strategic approach focuses on: 

This strategy aims to provide inclusive and equitable mobility opportunities for all students, with a commitment to inclusivity for under-represented groups such as widening participation students, BAME students, and students with disabilities. 

These programmes address the shifting landscape of mobility and exchanges post-Erasmus+, exacerbated by reduced external funding. They also seek to provide more flexible alternatives for students who may want shorter experiences or to avoid travel for financial or sustainability reasons. 

Some of these unique and accessible short-term programmes, which present students with opportunities to work within intercultural teams, develop their employability skills and design their own international learning experiences are already underway.  

The Go Abroad Fund provided financial support for students to undertake short-term international experiences in summer 2024. Widening Participation students can apply for higher funding. In 2023/24, 222 students were selected, with 56 participating in sustainability-focused activities. Widening Participation students receive £950 each, funded by the Development Trust. The remaining 120 students receive £500 each, funded by the University. Students participated in activities in over 55 countries. Some examples include: