Purpose

The Office for Students requires as part of the initial and ongoing conditions for registration that all higher education providers produce an access and participation statement for registration in the Approved provider category. This is published on UKMC website at www.ukmc.ac.uk

This Access and Participation Statement reflects UKMC’s commitment to be recognised as a leading alternative provider of high quality higher education courses, connected with our local communities through: ensuring equality of opportunity and fair access to and participation in higher education, which enhances the student academic experience leading to successful student outcomes. This will be applied consistently across all UKMC campuses.

UKMC Mission and Strategic Objectives

Our core mission is to:

• provide high quality and accessible opportunities for individuals to engage in higher education aligned to enriching the local socio-economic communities we serve
• offer an educational experience that maximises support for students, thereby ensuring students develop and grow in a nurturing environment
• develop students with skills which transform their lives and are marketable for rewarding careers
• provide equal opportunities for all to access, progress through, and succeed in higher education, achieving their potential in the pursuit of academic and employment outcomes

Our overarching strategic aim is: to challenge the social, cultural, dispositional and accessibility barriers that may restrict progression into higher education. We are committed to raising the aspirations and transforming the lives of college leavers and returners to study within our target areas including for those from:

• low higher education participation/economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods
• lower socio-economic groups
• families with no tradition of higher education
• minority ethnic groups
• individuals with caring responsibilities
• students with disabilities
• mature, ‘2nd chance’ students

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Ensure that all students, particularly mature students and those from under-represented groups, are: supported through accessing, succeeding in, and progressing from, Higher Education
• Provide and deliver high-quality education, learning, and assessment which enhances the academic experience
• Ensure that staff maintain and develop the relevant skills, knowledge and scholarly activities which contribute to a high quality student experience
• Acquire and maintain resources in line with growing student numbers to enhance our capabilities to support students to successfully complete their studies and progress to meaningful destinations
• Ensure a safe learning environment which promotes and values respect and diversity for all stakeholders to enhance the educational journey of our students
• Develop effective student engagement mechanisms leading to continuous improvements to the academic experience and student outcomes

Access and Participation Guiding Principles

UKMC’s approach to access and participation is guided by several key principles:

• Removing dispositional barriers for those who previously had not contemplated higher education
• Boosting confidence through academic success in a supportive learning environmen
• Creating a welcoming and secure space that values equality, diversity and the richness of the learning experience
• Providing local, accessible opportunities for individuals who may be returning to education after a significant break
• Supporting individuals to identify and realise their career ambitions

We are aware that many of our potential students may have caring or employment responsibilities and therefore we are committed to ensuring flexibility where possible and taking these factors into consideration in our course planning and delivery.

UKMC Student Lifecycle approach towards Access and Participation

We engage with applicants from the first point of enquiry through to completion and progression beyond their studies. All academic, administrative and support staff play their part in pursuit of our widening participation mission built on the principles of social justice and providing ‘second chance’ opportunities for many who had not previously contemplated higher education.

Key elements to our approach to widening access and participation include: effective and targeted marketing; a fair and effective policy for admissions; effective induction and ongoing student support. This is within a context where: 71% of students are 25+ years old, most of whom hold no formal entry requirements. An increasing proportion of students enter with declared disabilities.

Effective and Targeted Marketing

UKMC carries out targeted marketing to make sure that potential students will be fully aware of the opportunities open to them. Information will be made available to prospective students at Open Days with targeted marketing materials being distributed locally. In addition we are committed to the local communities in which our campuses are situated through engaging with public, private and third sector organisations to raise awareness of the opportunities for study at UKMC available in their locality. The recruitment process is designed to attract a diverse student population who possess the abilities and aptitudes to complete their studies successfully.

Fair and Effective Admissions Policy

UKMC aims to provide a fair and transparent admissions system, which is implemented consistently, and which provides equal opportunities for all, regardless of background.

Admission is informed by three principles:

• To recruit a diverse student body in terms of background and experience, particularly those under-represented in higher education
• To recruit students who are able to complete their course based on assessment of factors including: their achievements; life and work experiences; commitment to study showcasing motivation
• To provide fair and equal access to those who have the potential to succeed

Inclusive admission processes ensure that all applications are considered on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

UKMC welcomes applications from all prospective students and provides general information which is designed to be accessible and socially inclusive. The admissions process recognises the value of lifelong and experiential learning and continuous professional development. The College ensures equality of opportunity by making available appropriate support during the application process including opportunities for students to visit their campus and future learning environment and/or discuss their particular learning or additional support needs with staff.

When attracting students from non-traditional backgrounds UKMC will ensure that students have the range of skills and motivation and are fully aware of the requirements of the course. In order to facilitate this, all students will have an interview with the Admissions Officer and complete an initial assessment for literacy and also for numeracy if required by the course, if this is not supported by their qualifications on entry.

UKMC aims to remove any barriers to application through support for students with disabilities. In addition, a range of outreach activities conducted through community engagement with public, private and third sector organisations ensure that applications are encouraged from disadvantaged groups.

Effective Induction

Student induction commences with an introduction to the College campus, including information on our aims and mission, alongside introducing key policies and processes. We believe that an interesting and informative induction experience provides the foundation for a high quality student experience. In addition, induction will explore expectations of study in higher education and provides information and support in relation to academic study skills.

Effective Student Support moving through the lifecycle

All students have access to academic, personal and professional services staff throughout their learning journey, providing a framework to supporting individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and aspirations in order to fulfil their potential through learning, achievement and progression.

Study skills support is provided by the Student Support teaching staff, acknowledging that some students may have taken a significant break in study before accessing their higher education programme.

The focus of the Academic Skills module during the Foundation Year is on developing skills such as academic writing and oral presentation, IT and referencing skills and time management. It also invites self-reflection for understanding individual strengths and weaknesses for the learning journey. English language classes and also signposting to additional resources for students with additional needs and requirements are provided.

Pastoral support will be administered by the Student Success Team according to our Personal Tutor Policy. The Student Success Tutor (SST)/Personal Tutor provides pastoral support to students alongside the Course Leader, providing academic and tutorial support.

SSTs engage with the individual student to manage their academic progression as well as monitor attendance. The personal tutor also acts as a conduit for referral to additional learning support services provided by the Student Wellbeing Team.

The comprehensive Induction and Study Skills programme enhances students’ academic capability and is designed to positively impact students’ retention and achievement as they progress through the moving through stage of the student life cycle.

Effective Support for Progression to Employment and further study

As part of our core mission, we are committed to being an employer-focused institution which is connected with our local communities. We work with community groups and employers to raise awareness and promote opportunities within the local economies we serve.

To support the goal of improving employability outcomes, the College will introduce a new Graduate Success and Employability Pathway, embedding career development opportunities into each programme through employer partnerships, workshops, and placement support.

The Learning Resources Team provide a range of skills and employability development activities including CV building, communication and leadership skills workshops focused on preparedness for employment and supporting students for further study.

Consultation, Monitoring and Review of Access and Participation

In order to assure ourselves that we are meeting our access and participation commitments, we will monitor student recruitment and performance data by a range of student characteristics. This falls under the oversight of UKMC Academic Board, which approves and monitors additional actions and enhancements for all aspects of the student experience and student outcomes.

This APS will be reviewed annually, through Academic Board, as part of the College's quality cycle. The annual review will include:

• Feedback from students and staff
• Comment from the Board of Governors

UK Management College (UKMC)

Provider UKPRN: 10081627