What is widening participation?
Widening participation (WP) is a government initiative offering opportunities to groups of people who are under-represented in higher education.
Some under-represented groups include people:
- who are the first generation to consider higher education
- from low socio-economic groups
- attending schools with low progression into higher education.
Widening participation in medicine
Widening participation in medicine refers to the efforts and initiatives designed to ensure that individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups are supported to pursue a career in medicine. These initiatives include the use of specific admissions policies, financial support, outreach and engagement, and mentorship and support.
- Students from lower socio-economic backgrounds
- Students from non-academically selective state schools
- Disabled students / students with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan
- Looked after children
- Students who are estranged from their families
- Some ethnic minority students (in certain geographical areas)
- Students with caring responsibilities
Outreach schemes in higher education
All UK medical schools are required to have some kind of outreach scheme that widens access to courses, that lead to professional careers.
The outreach schemes vary, for instance:
- primary schools seek to inspire children at a young age to consider medicine
- some medical schools offer summer schools for secondary students that assist with medical school applications and gaining work experience
- universities like King’s College London offer a six year extended medical degree programme, that dedicated places for disadvantaged backgrounds.
To find out more about outreach schemes or for extra support, contact the medical schools directly to discuss what they could offer.
Take a look at the medical schools around the UK or read more about how to become a doctor.