ulster.ac.uk

Exploring Progression Routes through HE

‘A Reflection on Practice’.

Abbie McKenna, Lorraine Lavery-Bowen and Angela Scanlon

Overview• The Northern Ireland Context• Framework & Measurements for Success• Case Studies• Progression & Transferability

The Northern Ireland Context

Solution Requirements

• Needs Driven – NI Skills Barometer• Accessible – pathways to access HE• Flexible – across the learning journey• Transferable – pathways for progression

A Regional Focus

Learning Pathway & Academic Framework

How it Works..Certificate in Personal &

Professional Development (CPPD)

Modular PTFramework

Cross Faculty Governance

60 credits for full award

Progression PathwaysCertificationOpen Entry for

Adult Learners

Modular route enables students to customise their own learning programme.

The pathway to return to education is not always ‘clear’ or ‘straightforward’• Transition back into higher education can be a complex step for many

learners.

• DEL statistics indicate that around 80% of the Northern Ireland workforce of 2020 has already left compulsory education, many do not have a higher education qualification and it is important that we unleash the talent and expertise of this workforce.

• Our learners can have complex needs and their challenges are diverse, often mirrored across student cohorts – confidence, motivation, financial concerns, family caring responsibilities, work commitments.

Currie Primary School and Holy Family Primary School (Parental Learning)

Empowering parents to return and engage in education; fostering the ‘ripple’ effect – if mum, dad or a grandparent can achieve higher level skills recognition, the dependents within the family circle will also aspire to go higher

• Cross Community• Flexible delivery• Convenient location and childcare facilities• Empowerment• Ripple effect• Progression

Case Studies

UP Unblocking Potential (Young Adults and NEETS)

Starting where the learner is’, the module enables participants to identify and evidence their potential, skills and knowledge, in order to gain university level accreditation. • Open Entry• Civic Engagement• Widening Access and Participation • Unblocking Potential – exactly ‘what it says on the tin’• Self Belief

Case Studies

Resource (Workforce Development)

Resource is a market leading provider of strategically outsourced services. Employing at the time more than 7000 highly trained people and operate throughout the UK and Ireland. • Early Managers• Work based• Flexible• Authentic workshops and assessment• Career/Promotion opportunities

Case Studies

Celebration of Community AchievementStudents, families and friends

Progression & Transferability

Alignment of Subject Curricula 12/13

Alignment of Subject Curricula 13/14

Alignment of Subject Curricula 14/15

• Funding available for framework study to encourage access from 14/15.

• Initial figures indicate that 10 of the 19 transfers were initially funded through widening access criteria.

• Hypothesis – that those who have a salary income are more likely to transfer than those unemployed/NEET

• More Research Required

Funding, Frameworks & Progression

What Does Success Look Like?Students & Their Experience

• Access Agreement – institutional compliance• Supporting Civic Engagement & Economic Skills Needs• Lifelong Learning Model Built for Success• Strong Curricula Alignment• Needs Based• Complements with the NI Skills Strategy

Thanks

Questions ?