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Posted June 26, 2013

Research Highlights Inequality in Postgraduate Study

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) commissioned a study to look into the breakdown of students making the progression into postgraduate study with the aim of highlighting any demographic shortfalls at this stage of higher education.

One of the first inequalities which was highlighted by the study was the number of women progressing to postgraduate study in comparison to men. The team at York’s Department of Education discovered that even when differences in subject choice and attainment were taken into account, there was a disparity in the number of women progressing to postgraduate level. Other inequalities which were highlighted by the study included differences between ethnic minorities and people from different social backgrounds, bringing to light the fact that postgraduate students are not necessarily just defined by their academic progress. There were also big differences between the various types of university.
 

Study Transition

The study focused on the transition from a first degree to a postgraduate level degree, with particular attention being paid to three overarching themes, the four UK home nations, institutional profile, and individual background characteristics, which includes ethnicity, gender, and social background. There have been a lot of news stories over the past few years reporting that financial restraints are causing a ‘social mobility barrier’ in higher education, and this study wanted to investigate whether money was the only defining factor in the transition to postgraduate study. It was hoped that by understanding why different demographics were not being represented at this stage of education, changes may be implemented to even out the playing field.
 

What the Results Indicated

The study highlighted that much higher numbers of men were progressing to masters and doctorate degrees, which is in stark contrast to the current trends in undergraduate degrees, where women are performing best. These differences have been recorded right across the board, from the stem subjects such as science and engineering, to the arts and humanities as well, with a particular difference in enrolment among doctorate PHDs . Black Caribbean and Bangladeshi groups were shown to have much lower than average rates of progression, especially when it comes to research subjects.
 

The rate of progression to postgraduate degrees from students from the 30 most selective universities were substantially higher than from all other universities. Figures show that graduates from these elite establishments are one and a half times more likely to go on to study a masters degree, and five times more likely to study a doctorate. This highlights the fact that students entering certain universities are effectively opting for a different path from the age of 18, and that this is why it is so important to allow students from underprivileged backgrounds into some of these universities at undergraduate level.
 

The results also found that students from lower socio-economic backgrounds were not being represented in high numbers at this stage of education, meaning that there seemed to be less opportunity for those from certain social backgrounds to be able to progress into postgraduate study. Deputy Chief Executive at the HEA, Stephanie Marshall said, “There are clear grounds for concern here. Higher education should represent the whole of our diverse society, seeking out academic talent across all groups of the population. The UK's research base is highly regarded across the world, but to remain relevant and of value must draw from a cross section of our society.”

2 comments

Rita Patterson May 30, 2018, 10:30 p.m.

Ive just completed a undergraduate course and would like to go on to postgraduate course but according to my age 62, I can not get any funding as Student Finance Wales stops all funding at 60, why is that as we all have to work longer, I still got years left and any new position I take up will have my work until much later then 65.

Age was never brought up in your review.

Charlotte King June 3, 2018, 8:04 p.m.

Hi Rita,

I hadn't realised PG funding wasn't available to the over 60s - and yes you are right, now that people work later in life it does seem appropriate that they would be able to access suitable funding. Thank you for highlighting this inequality - hopefully the government will address this issue at some stage.

I wish you luck finding funding - and don't forget that you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 once you have been accepted onto your PG program: https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/

Good luck with your studies.

Charlotte

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