Working with Schools
The Widening Participation and Outreach (WPO) team work closely with our local schools, offering tailored support and engagement activities to both staff and pupils. Our aim is to inspire children from an early age and promote the opportunities that are available for them in higher education.
We involve our team of student ambassadors in delivery of a number of our activities.
The focus of our work with secondary schools is on schools with:
- pupils who have little or no family experience of higher education, or
- traditionally low levels of progression to higher education
- pupils who have been in care, or are young carers themselves
Our team works closely with the Lothian Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS) programme and the Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP) and our activities are targeted to these schools (see the LEAPS website for the list of schools). If you are a teacher at another school outwith these groups, please contact our Education Liaison Officer within the Recruitment Team who will be happy to help.
School Based Activities
An introduction to Queen Margaret University
A look at the courses, academic and social facilities and support available at QMU.
Choosing and applying to the Allied Health Professions
An insight into the wide selection of courses within the AHP and how to be successful in applying to these.
Why go to university?
Exploring the many and varied reasons why students may want to consider studying a higher education qualification.
From college to university
An overview of the increasing number of routes (articulation) for college leavers to access degree level study at university.
Researching your options: choosing the right course/university for you
What factors should you take into account when choosing a course and university? What questions should you ask and where do you find the information. Also includes a brief guide to the UCAS system.
The UCAS system and personal statement
A detailed look at the UCAS application, providing a step-by-step and examining what makes a good personal statement.
Student life
An insight into life as a student. What are the main differences between school and university life? What support services are available and what do students do when they are not studying.
HE briefing for guidance staff
An update on the latest issues in higher education inc university applications, admissions and finance.
Subject talk or workshop
Specific input from one of our subject areas either in talk or workshop form. Please name the subject area of interest.
Finance Talks
Student finance
An explanation of the student finance system, what support is available and how to apply. Also guidance on budgeting and other ways to get additional financial support.
Campus Based Activities
At our University Open Days, we are happy to try and accommodate campus visits at other times during the year. Visits can include a campus tour, presentation by admissions or education liaison staff and an opportunity to meet with current students.
It may also be possible for us to respond to individual requests for subject-based workshops on-campus led by staff from within our subject areas including Business, Enterprise and Management; Drama and Creative Industries; Health Sciences and Social Sciences, Media and Communication. Please contact us for further information and to discuss possible options.
More information on Campus Tours and University Delivered Workshops
Higher Education Fairs / Parent Evenings
We will be present at all local school higher education fairs and Parent Evenings so find our stall and have a chat with us!
Teacher and Pupil Resources
Get in Touch
If you would like a member of the WPO team to visit your school then please email wpo@qmu.ac.uk
If you would like to organise a school or college please fill in our visit form and a member of our team will be in touch.
