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How fair is access to more prestigious UK universities?
1School of Applied Social Sciences, Durham University. vikki.boliver@durham.ac.uk
The British Journal of Sociology
|May 30, 2013
Summary
Access to prestigious UK Russell Group universities is not equitable. Socioeconomic background and ethnicity significantly impact application and admission rates, with little change observed after tuition fee increases.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Education
- Higher Education Policy
- Social Stratification
Background:
- UK universities increased tuition fees to £9,000, necessitating examination of fair access.
- Office for Fair Access introduced new Access Agreements.
- Previous research indicates disparities in higher education access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of fair access to prestigious Russell Group universities in the UK.
- To analyze application and admission rates based on socioeconomic background, school type, and ethnicity.
- To assess changes in access following tuition fee introductions and increases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) data from 1996 to 2006.
- Defined 'fair access' as equal application and offer rates for equally qualified individuals.
- Employed statistical analysis to compare applicant pools and admission outcomes.
Main Results:
- Access to Russell Group universities was found to be inequitable.
- Applicants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and state schools were less likely to apply.
- State school and minority ethnic applicants received fewer offers compared to private school and White peers.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities in access to Russell Group universities persist.
- Tuition fee changes in 1998 and 2006 did not improve access equity.
- Socioeconomic status and ethnicity remain critical factors influencing higher education opportunities.
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