A group of higher education institutions including University Centre Sparsholt, have collaborated to ensure fair access and parity of experience for diverse student populations, creating a new guidebook that outlines the range of associated outreach activities and events across a number of UK university centres.
The guide is the first publication from the BLOC (BERF LANDEX Outreach Collaboration) project, an alliance between Hartpury University and Landex educational institutions, as well as the British Ethnic Riders Federation.
The project aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in land-based education by opening the doors to more rural campuses, breaking down barriers to participation, and promoting fair access to higher education. It is hoped that the guide will encourage its target audience, community groups, to explore the outreach activities, engagement programs, and support services, offered by members of the BLOC project.
Linda Greening, Head of Inclusivity at Hartpury University, said: “Historically, participation in subjects including agriculture, animal, and equine sciences has been predominantly white, largely due to perceptions of applicants from the global majority. This project has sought to address some of those perceptions by inviting community groups onto rural campuses to provide tailor-made experiences that go some way to address the myths surrounding study and career opportunities in these areas of study.”
The guide ultimately intends to empower individuals from all backgrounds to pursue education and careers in land-based subjects, showcasing member institutions and inviting students, educators and community members to support its mission. The project offers various activities including subject taster days, campus tours, career pathway workshops, open days, and equine events, to engage with prospective students and provide insights into opportunities available at the member universities.
The project has benefited from the input of practitioners from The Royal Agricultural University, Harper Adams University, Nottingham Trent University, University Centre Reaseheath, University Centre Bishop Burton, University Centre Myerscough, University Centre Sparsholt, Kingston Maurward College. Derby College, and Hartpury University.
“We hope the activities that are run because of the BLOC guide will help to raise young people’s awareness of and interest in land-based studies, with the British Ethnic Riders Federation there specifically supporting those who choose to participate in equestrianism,” Linda added.
Abigail Heaman, Senior Curriculum Leader at University Centre Sparsholt, said:
We are excited to be collaborating with other Higher Education providers on this project to raise awareness and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to enter land based higher education. As part of the project, I am looking forward to coordinating a variety of outreach activities including open days, short courses and taster practical sessions to showcase our top facilities and introduce potential applications to our friendly enthusiastic team who are experts in their field. With our new Higher Education Science Centre opening at University Centre Sparsholt in January 2025, I cannot wait to engage with prospective students within this new facility. This is a great guide we are proud to be part of and hope to open opportunities to communities across Hampshire.