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School of Biological Sciences: Recruitment

A self-analysis of the School's MSc admissions process found that proportionally fewer females were applying for postgraduate study than at undergraduate level.
Target Group
Postgraduate students
Initiative Theme
Recruitment
Initiative institution
University of Edinburgh
Application type
Athena Swan Initiative
Publication date

Details of Activity

A self-analysis of the School's MSc admissions process found that proportionally fewer females were applying for postgraduate study than at undergraduate level. The School revised its advertisements of MSc postgraduate courses in 2011/12 to promote a more interactive approach to student recruitment, including the increased use of social media. Potential students were able to chat online with current students and meet course teachers online through virtual visits, both on a social media platform.

Outcomes

After revising the advertisements for MSc postgraduate courses, the School saw a rise in the proportion of female applicants for all of its MSc programmes, from around 45% in 2010/2011 to 53% in 2011/2012. Furthermore, for the academic year of 2011/12, 66% of places on MSc courses were taken up by female students.