Ulster has 15 per cent more under-represented students than UK average

Under-represented groups made up 45.9 per cent of young first degree entrants at the University of Ulster in 2011-12, while the UK average was only 30.7 per cent over this period.

Degree entrants under 21 are classified according to the occupations of their parents. Parental jobs including lower supervisory and technical occupations are classed as under-represented, in contrast with managerial and professional roles.

“Performance Indicators in Higher Education: Northern Ireland analysis 2011-12”, published on 21 March, shows that, as a whole, Northern Irish institutions recruit more students from under-represented groups.