Our Work

The University is committed to outreach work with local schools, colleges and community groups, aiming to raise aspirations and encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to consider progression to higher education.

Participants are introduced to the challenges and opportunities of higher education through a programme of stimulating activities delivered both on and off campus, all of which are supported by a large team of inspiring and committed ambassadors. Administered and developed by the Outreach and Widening Participation Team, in close collaboration with academic divisions, this work has been recognised nationally as one of the most effective and established widening participation programmes in the sector.

The Outreach and Widening Participation Team works with approximately 40 Partner and Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF) schools, including Brompton Academy and Chatham Grammar, who are sponsored by the University. In addition, the University works with multiple local Further Education (FE) colleges, together with various community, adult and family learning groups, such as Porchlight and Little Pebbles SureStart Centre. Despite 2020/21 being a year of uncertainty and change, student ambassadors were still asked to support over 350 outreach activities, providing almost 10,000 hours of work.

Many academic divisions also have their own dedicated programme of outreach activities.

Outreach work is incredibly rewarding and varied. Student Ambassadors can have a real impact on people’s lives, encouraging participants to achieve their potential and to consider higher education as a realistic option.

Recruitment activities involve promoting and representing the University and its courses to home and EU fee paying students and their families.

Central Recruitment activities give ambassadors the opportunity to express their passion for the University and their subject, whilst inspiring the next generation of students to consider coming to Kent. Recruitment work might involve ambassadors supporting the many Applicant Days, Open Days and school campus visits that the Recruitment Team run each year.

Working as an ambassador on a recruitment event might involve activities such as: meeting and greeting visitors to the University; supporting school students on campus visits; leading campus tours; and talking to prospective students about studying particular degree subjects at the University.

Further recruitment work and roles may be developed by Academic Divisions.