The Office for Students has agreed our new Access and Participation Plan (APP) which details the action we're taking to make Durham more diverse and inclusive than ever before. In her monthly column, our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien highlights the APP's ambitions.
At Durham we believe that everyone who wants to pursue higher education should have a fair opportunity to do so, whatever their background.
Recently the Office for Students has agreed our new Access and Participation Plan (APP), which represents a step change in how we are identifying and encouraging students from groups that are currently underrepresented in higher education to study with us.
In short: our ambition to make Durham University more diverse and inclusive than ever before.
Addressing challenges
We recognise that some students face greater challenges in reaching university and some need additional support to thrive in their studies.
Whether it's mature students returning to education, those navigating mental health challenges, or students facing economic hardship, we are making sure that the right support is in place to help them succeed with us.
Tailored support
We have already made great progress in this area. Our Durham Grant Scheme, for students from low-income households, is one of the most generous in the country; we are expanding our scholarships specifically supporting North East students; and our Space to Explore Potential (STEP) programme helps Black-heritage students fulfil their potential.
In addition, there is much we do to raise aspirations of younger children. This includes our annual Celebrate Science event and the amazing work of our learning and engagement museums teams who collaborate with schools and communities.
Think Durham
But we recognise there is more to do. Our APP sets clear and ambitious goals to improve diversity, close achievement gaps, and create an even more inclusive university. We are very pleased that it is being supported by our city's MP. As Vice-Chancellor, I take pride in the progress we have made in recent years and I am determined we will go further.
Our message is: if you are considering your study and career options, think: Durham.
