University of Aberdeen Vows to Increase Access

The University of Aberdeen has pledged to double the number of full-time Scottish degree students it recruits from disadvantaged areas.

The university wants 10% of its intake of Scottish students to be from areas included in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

In recent years those from disadvantaged areas have equated to just 4-5% of the university's intake.

Professor George Boyne said: "This university was founded on the guiding principle of being open to all."

"It is for this reason that we have set this ambitious new target to recruit 10% of our Scottish students from SIMD20 areas from September."

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead welcomed the announcement, adding: "I welcome the University of Aberdeen's commitment to recruit more students from disadvantaged backgrounds to this impressive institution."

"The Scottish government wants every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstance."

"It is our aim that, by 2030, 20% of students entering university will be from Scotland's most deprived backgrounds."

The University of Aberdeen will need to act fast if it is to meet widening access targets before the 2030 deadline.