25th November 2003

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Many students enter university ill prepared for the demands and pressures of university life, according to a top University academic.

Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of Access and Educational Partnerships at the University of Ulster, called on government to provide the mechanisms and the funds to enable universities to engage in a more structured way with our post-primary schools, in order to ensure that Northern Ireland’s young people are well prepared to make the most out of university life and learning.

Dr O’Kane, based at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus was speaking on his return from Amsterdam, where he briefed delegates at a major international Student Retention conference, on the success of the University of Ulster’s pioneering ‘Step Up To Science’ programme, which helps young people to access and complete university level education.

“We want to encourage young people from very diverse backgrounds to study at university, and UU has been one of the UK’s most successful institutions in widening access: but we also want our students to complete their course and grasp the opportunities a degree-level education can offer. For some, the transition from school to university can be problematic.”

“We need a much more integrated education system where all sectors work more closely together to ensure a seamless transition from school to university. What is taught in schools must be a preparation for university – and universities should have some input into that process.”

Dr O’Kane in his presentation outlined the importance of universities working closely with schools to prepare young people for the learning environment they will encounter at university, and equip them to cope with the many different demands that will be placed on them – from living away from home, to self-directed study.

“If we can get young people used to the ideas that they are going to go to University, and familiarise them with the teaching and assessment methods they will encounter when they get there, then retention issues will be less likely to arise.”

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk