Boosting the participation of under-represented groups in Higher Education is a strategic goal for the UK government, and universities are encouraged to seek to attract a wide range of applicants from different social, cultural and educational backgrounds. About 30% of school leavers go straight to university and 50% of today’s 18-30 year olds will attain a degree. However, the proportion of people in prison who participate in Higher Education is less than 2% of the prison population.

DWRM aims to break down the barriers to successful delivery of Higher Education in prison, which we have experienced from both sides of the fence. We work with universities to offer a choice of degree courses to students in prison, focusing on provision of study materials, tuition and participation in a learning community. And when people are released from prison, we support them to attend the university campus to complete their degree.

“Education in prison should give individuals the skills they need to unlock their potential, gain employment, and become assets to their communities. It is one of the pillars of effective rehabilitation. Education should build social capital and improve the well-being of prisoners during their sentences.”  

Dame Sally Coates

Unlocking Potential: A review of education in prison, May 2016

Image taken from the Russell Webster site
 

We are working with several universities whose details are in our prospectus. More will be added to this list during the year, as we continue to increase the choice available to students in prison. Please contact us for a copy of our prospectus.

University of Westminster offering Level 3 modules in Social Science subjects.

London College of Creative Media (LCCM) offering Music Performance and Music Business Management degrees.

University of Greenwich offering a Maths degree.

University of Chichester offering a bridging module to university study (From Adversity to University).

SOAS, University of London offering an Art Critics course as an introduction to Higher Education.

Open Study College, offering A levels and Level 3 qualifications.

Rocketeer Group offering business start-up courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3

Our university partners are committed to providing access to education for people from every background, and most of them also have a strong track record as leaders in the field of prison-university partnerships. This sector-leading position makes our partner universities ideal institutions to lead our current initiative seeking to broaden access to higher education for current and former prisoners.

Each has made a commitment to inclusive education which is clear through their policy on admissions for people with convictions. The policies are open and accessible and have been developed alongside organisations working to support prisoner education. This allows students from all backgrounds (including recently released and currently serving prisoners) to study for their futures in a supportive academic environment.