An alternative route: widening participation into higher education for prospective health and care professionals

Access to higher education in health and social care is vital for supporting local communities and the future workforce. Traditionally, efforts to widen participation in higher education targeted socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. However, it is now recognised that all students should have equal higher education and employment opportunities, regardless of their prior educational attainment or financial situation. This article examines University of Hull's inclusive model for access to higher education, which could be developed and incorporated by other institutions nationwide. The ‘university certificate in health and social care programme’ provides a part-time, year-long pathway for students without formal qualifications to progress to undergraduate studies. Students engage with various learning styles and receive comprehensive support, enabling them to make the most of their transferable skills and gain new knowledge. The programme has a high qualification rate and successfully progresses many students to undergraduate studies because of the programme's flexible nature and support provided. Graduates often remain in the local area, addressing workforce shortages and serving the community effectively. This article makes recommendations regarding how other institutions can best implement a similar programme, including: maintaining a strong leadership across the programmes; investing in supporting and widening participation for all learners; implementing effective marketing strategies to attract diverse applicants; prioritising student feedback for programme improvement; developing a sustainable local workforce in health and social care; and sharing and collaborating with other higher education institutions.