Funding awarded to University to maximise outcomes for students at Derby

A new project led by The University of Derby has been awarded £439,307 from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

The project is one of seventeen, involving 64 higher education providers, which have received funding from HEFCE’s Catalyst Fund to address differences in student outcomes.

Derby will work in partnership with Southampton Solent University and the University of West London on the two-year project.

The projects will particularly benefit those student groups affected by differential outcomes highlighted in previous HEFCE research, including black and minority ethnic students, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, disabled students (including those presenting with mental health issues and specific learning difficulties), mature students and part-time students.

The programme focuses on scaling up activities already proven to be successful in individual higher education providers, and will identify how good practice and interventions can be validated, replicated, transmitted and embedded across a wider range of providers. Projects will generate evidence across inclusive teaching and learning practices, employability, learning analytics, and wellbeing.

Professor Philip Plowden, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that HEFCE has recognised the strengths of Derby’s approach to supporting all parts of our student community. We are looking forward to working with Southampton Solent University and University of West London on this project, which will have real impact and application across the wider sector.”

HEFCE Chief Executive Madeleine Atkins added: “The significant response from higher education providers to this funding call demonstrates their commitment to ensuring all students benefit from a vibrant, inclusive, world-class higher education experience. Funding this programme will support real progress towards closing the unacceptable differences in outcomes between groups of students.

“We look forward to working with providers to make sure this targeted, evidence-led investment maximises outcomes for students – contributing to improved productivity and social mobility and, of course, individual opportunities.”