University-level study abroad in post-Brexit UK

To understand who studies abroad and with what benefits, this project uses nationally representative longitudinal secondary data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes dataset. With relevance for widening participation efforts, the project will document the socio-economic characteristics of students who go abroad, both before and after Brexit, and how representative these students are of the wider student population. The project will also document the academic and post-graduation outcomes of study abroad participants. It will look at graduation rate, degree classification, employment status, and earnings, and whether these outcomes vary between those who studied abroad and those who did not. The project will provide a first-of-its-kind overview of the association between study abroad and future earnings among students enrolled at UK universities.

Case study data from four anonymous UK universities, one from each nation, will be collected and analysed to understand how institutions manage and deliver study abroad post-Brexit. Students and staff at these institutions will be invited to offer their views on aspects such as widening participation, the student experience, and available opportunities and programmes.

Supported by interviews and documentary analysis, the project will also provide an overview of the UK’s policy on study and work abroad and compare it with equivalent policies in selected peer countries, and also with EU-level study abroad policies. In the UK, an overview of study abroad policies across the four nations will be included. This approach will ensure that policy recommendations made throughout this project are context-relevant, internationally informed, and feasible.