Research Projects

This research aims to engage with graduates with intellectual disabilities of the Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Applied Practice, TCPID, to explore their experiences of engaging in higher education in order to develop an understanding of their conceptualisation of student success and belonging. Nationally an understanding of student success in higher education (HE) has been developed, and the need to foster a sense of belonging in HE forms an integral part of the National Access Plan 2022-2028. Students sense of belonging and success are identified as critical and also interdependent. Yet, questions continue to remain on how to define, measure, structure and engender both for all students, including those from marginalised groups in HE. Despite the noted importance of belonging and student success many of those from marginalised groups including, students with ID, have rarely had their success and belonging experiences explored. With conceptualisations of belonging and success failing to include their voice and lived experience. This research will apply a human rights lens and utilise a universally designed qualitative methodology to hear the voice of graduates with ID. It looks to understand graduates with IDs experiences of success and belonging whilst engaging in HE, and how understandings of these concepts might be used to enrich and inform the HE environment for students with ID in the future.