Bridging the Skills Gap through Postgraduate Study: Identifying the Barriers with the Admissions Process for Postgraduate TEM Applicants at a Modern University in Scotland

This work-in-progress research paper explores barriers encountered during the admissions to studying Technology, Engineering, and Maths (TEM) in Scottish higher education and expands the limited body of knowledge regarding postgraduate admissions by exploring the institutional admissions processes and widening participation. In today’s technology-driven world, digital skills are paramount, and postgraduate education is instrumental in fostering innovation across sectors. Analysing the applicants’ access to a Scottish modern University uncovers global significance in addressing entrance obstacles. Scotland aspires to be a digital leader, yet struggles with a skills gap, hindered by a convoluted admissions process. The study aims to assess the user experience and accessibility of this progression, identifying barriers for (S)TEM candidates. Employing mixed methods, including surveys, task analysis, and interviews, it explores applicants’ journey. Findings reveal issues such as insufficient website information, flaws in the form design and functionality, as well as poor post-submission communication. Disparities between requirements to join different types of degrees highlight the need for tailored application forms. Addressing these barriers is crucial for nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving digital innovation, aligning with Scotland’s ambitions, and benefiting global technological advancement.