Ample evidence already demonstrates that the contextual admissions system across the sector, including the different factors which are applied between universities, is challenging for prospects to navigate. However, little insight is currently available to explain how contextual admissions actually influence both university choice and perceptions of the institutions who offer them.
Our national collaborative research combines a survey of prospective undergraduates with a qualitative online community to unpick, in depth, how contextual admissions are used in decision-making and will identify and focus on the views of young people likely to be eligible for a contextual admission.
Why join this project?
- Secure robust evidence to support your university’s strategies and approach to contextual admissions
- Gain practical insights to inform your contextual admissions communications
- Identify cross-institution opportunities to provide clear guidance on contextual admissions to support young people
- Understand differences in perceptions of contextual admissions through demographic lenses including widening access grou
What will the project explore?
The quantitative and qualitative research materials will be shaped in conjunction with the universities who choose to participate in this research project, based around the following crucial questions:
How does is work and what are the costs?
The strategic national collaborative insight costs £3,950 + VAT to participate in for universities who confirm participation by the early bird deadline of 30th October (£4,250 + VAT after that date) and includes:
- Fresh, quantitative evidence will be captured through a survey with 1,000 16- to 19-year-olds, with quotas set for IMD Quintiles 1 and 2 and Free School Meal eligibility
- Fresh qualitative evidence will be generated through an online qualitative community with circa 20-25 of the same age group who are likely to be eligible for a contextual offer to explore the emerging themes in more depth
- A smart, succinct, highly visual report, with practical recommendations to help you take practical action to support your approach to contextual admissions, accompanied by a data dashboard so you can explore the data most relevant to you in more detail
- We’ll bring together participating institutions in online events to shape the project and to discuss the findings and ideas for action
The project will commence in February 2027 and complete by June 2027, so please get in touch to arrange to talk in October if you’re interested to hear more about how you can join the project and benefit from the early bird pricing.
For more information about how to join click here to email Sharon Steele, Marketing and Client Communities Director, at sharon.steele@alterline.co.uk.