Unequal Outcomes: Investigating the LGBTQ+ Awarding Gap in STEM Distance Learning Higher Education

LGBTQ+ people are a marginalised group who still face discrimination, even in countries with greater legal and social acceptance. This discrimination is linked to higher rates of mental health problems, which can also affect education. Other factors, such as race, disability, and socio-economic background, can make these challenges even harder, widening educational inequalities. Our study looked at ten years of Open University data on STEM degrees to see if there are differences in degree outcomes between LGBTQ+ students and their cisgender, heterosexual peers. No previous research has focused on this group in higher education. We found that LGBTQ+ students are 55% less likely to receive a good degree, regardless of other characteristics. They are also more likely to report having a disability or mental health condition, showing the need for additional support. We also found that many students do not disclose their LGBTQ+ identity, which makes it harder to understand the scale of inequality and to design effective policies. Overall, our findings highlight the need for better data collection, stronger support systems, and targeted action to close the degree gap and ensure equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ students in higher education.