Streamlining what universities offer could backfire for disadvantaged students

The government’s vision for higher education in England, set out in a recent White paper, includes changes that could benefit students from poorer backgrounds. An increase in maintenance loans, for instance, and the introduction of a lifelong learning entitlement loan enables them to enact learning trajectories that are far from linear. However, the government’s broader strategy for universities will present significant challenges for students who come from poorer families and live in disadvantaged areas. The policy encourages universities to carve out particular specialisms, the implications of which may be that some courses are axed in favour of a narrower menu of study. A diverse portfolio creates opportunities for those who may not traditionally access higher education. Therefore, disadvantaged students, who are typically less likely to apply to prestigious institutions and more likely to study closer to home, will be impacted.