Graduation ceremony hug

Our commitments

Through our widening participation activity we raise awareness, aspiration and achievement; supporting otherwise under-represented groups to successfully progress to higher education.
University of Plymouth has a regional, national and international reputation for its widening participation work. Our commitment is reflected in the University's ambition outlined in the University's Strategy 2020:
‘raising aspiration and driving engagement’

Our approach

Our approach to widening participation is articulated in our interim Widening Participation Strategic Statement (WPSS) for 2012–13 and 2013–14 and embodied in our Access Agreements. It's a targeted approach focused on groups who are and have been historically under-represented in higher education.
The strategy focuses primarily on three priority target groups, those disadvantaged by:
  • socio-economic class
  • disability
  • childhood experience in care.
Our broader strategy also embraces work related to age, gender and racial equality. In addition it provides for locally based higher education provision in the South West through a large portfolio of higher education level courses available within our partner college network.
Open day attendees parent and child

Our partnerships

Beyond Face
Beyond Face CIC is a performance company based in Plymouth whose mission is to raise the profile and visibility of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse artist, young people and communities.
The company engages with professionals, young people and communities in a variety of outlets. They create high quality professional performances which tour across the UK, as well as deliver workshops, training and support for developing artists, young people, businesses and educational institutions. ​
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support
DCRS believe that the process of claiming asylum should be safe, dignified and fair. They equip asylum seekers with an understanding of their rights and support them as they go through the system.

Policy and reports

The University's updated interim Widening Participation Strategic Statement (WPSS) for 2012–13 and 2013–14 was submitted to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in April 2013.
  • a review of literature
  • examples of good practice throughout the full range of widening participation activities from outreach, induction and retention to employability.