Session Outline

Higher education institutions are experiencing rapid demographic shifts, including rising numbers of first‑generation entrants, vocational and college‑to‑HE learners, more culturally and linguistically diverse students, and increased pressures linked to work and the cost of living (Office for Students, 2024; Universities UK, 2023; Sutton Trust, 2023). These shifts contribute to varied expectations of university learning, differences in academic confidence, and challenges with attendance and progression. Research on the hidden curriculum shows that unclear expectations and implicit norms particularly disadvantage first‑generation and vocational pathway students (Margolis, 2001; Thomas & Quinn, 2007), while transparency frameworks have been shown to improve clarity and academic confidence across diverse groups (Winkelmes, 2013).

This session demonstrates how advising principles can be embedded into curriculum and teaching practice to address these demographic changes and reduce hidden‑curriculum barriers. It presents three approaches developed at Manchester Metropolitan University, each grounded in theoretical frameworks around transparency, inclusive design, and anticipatory scaffolding (CAST, 2018):

• Addressing Changing Student Demographics in Fashion Education: A principles‑focused guide clarifying expectations for both staff and students, reducing hidden‑curriculum barriers and supporting diverse cohorts.

• Independent Study and Career Readiness Initiatives: Anticipatory scaffolding and strengths‑based mentoring embedded into a new Fashion Communication programme to support first‑generation, vocational‑route, and commuter students, improving confidence, belonging, and employability.

• Digital Awareness and Professional Development Module: A Level 4 skills‑first module that builds academic literacies, supports early belonging, and enables early intervention for disengagement.

These approaches have demonstrated positive impact on student engagement, confidence, and progression while helping staff design transparent and inclusive learning environments. Participants will gain transferable frameworks and actionable strategies for embedding advising principles into curriculum design to enhance belonging, clarity, and student success across diverse cohorts.

Learning Outcomes

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