Class, sex, religion and destination: Participation and higher education in Northern Ireland

This paper discusses participation in higher education of Northern Ireland undergraduates using data collected in 1980 for all Northern Ireland entrants in 1973 and 1979. Participation is examined in terms of social class, sex, religious affiliation and the study destinations of entrants. Detailed analysis of 'A˚s level entrance qualifications is undertaken in terms of the social characteristics of entrants examining total scores, mean scores and subject areas. These analyses provide the basis for considering several aspects of public policy, especially the flow of students into and out of Northern Ireland. Entrants from working-class backgrounds, women and Catholics seem especially vulnerable to probable policy developments.