A mixed methods investigation into the relationship between socio-economic status and degree and career outcomes in UK higher education.

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Previous and existing UK governments have placed pressure on universities to increase social mobility through increasing access to higher education for the most disadvantaged groups. Academic research has since demonstrated that admission to university does not automatically lead to 'successful' social mobility with differential experience, attainment and outcomes occurring on the basis of socio-economic and educational background. The proposed research is a mixed-methods study combining secondary data analysis with narrative qualitative insights into the experiences of social class at a variety of higher education institutions. The overarching aim of this research project is to explore the relationship between the different operationalised criteria used to identify those from working-class backgrounds alongside student outcomes and experiences of higher education. It then aims to assess how working-class students and widening participation staff understand the relationship between these factors in relation to their own personal and professional experience. This PhD is closely aligned with the ESRC theme: Inequality, equity, justice and economic growth. It offers the opportunity to closely assess the impact of participation in higher education amongst those from lower socio-economic backgrounds as well as explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals represented in the data.