Widening Participation

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What is widening participation?

Widening participation aims to ensure that the higher education sector is an open and inclusive environment, representative of the society we live in. Here at Lancaster University, we believe in presenting all individuals, regardless of background, with the opportunity to access and succeed in higher education and beyond. Our widening participation activities aim to support under-represented groups to enter higher education, as well as support students currently studying at university to succeed in their studies and progress onto graduate employment or further study.

  • Outreach and access programmes

    Are you considering undergraduate study or know someone who is? We offer a wide range of access programmes and outreach activities to support young people in their journey to higher education.

  • Schools and Colleges

    Are you a teacher or advisor to anyone considering applying to university? Find out more about opportunities and activities designed for school groups.

  • Lancaster Success Programme

    At Lancaster University we offer a programme of activities to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive during their studies and successfully progress into graduate employment or postgraduate study.

  • Contextual admissions

    As part of our commitment to improving social mobility and widening access to higher education for all, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and aim to understand as much as possible about our applicants and their potential.

  • Undergraduate research internships

    Would you like paid work experience on a cutting edge research project? These summer internships are ideal for undergraduate students who are considering postgraduate study.

Contact the team

Our friendly team work together to deliver our activities and are here to answer any queries you may have.

If you would like any more information or have any questions, please get in touch on outreach@lancaster.ac.uk.

Our widening participation approach

Here at Lancaster, we are highly committed to supporting social mobility and widening participation. We believe in creating a culture of inclusivity and providing all students, regardless of their background or individual barriers, with the opportunity to succeed.

For more information about our strategy and approach click below.

For more information about our work please contact Leanne Taher-Bates, Head of Outreach and Student Success.

Our approach to widening participation

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