Dr Rehan Shah (Institute of Mathematics Academic Representative for Queen Mary School of Engineering and Materials Science) and Michael Woolley (Outreach and Recruitment Manager) have introduced a new Levelling Up Maths for Engineering programme, supported by the Institute of Mathematics and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The programme follows on from its parallel counterpart, the Levelling Up Maths programme (supported by the London Mathematical Society) which has already been running successfully for two years within the Queen Mary School of Mathematical Sciences.

The programme aims at raising awareness of engineering as a viable STEM-based career, by improving the mathematics capabilities of those interested in engineering by helping them appreciate the relevance of mathematics in practical engineering situations. It particularly focuses on raising the aspirations of A-level mathematics pupils in years 12 and 13 from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly female students, aligning with the School of Engineering's EDI priorities, to study engineering, or a related STEM discipline, at university.

This will be achieved through an integrated programme of dedicated tutoring support provided by QMUL SEMS undergraduate students over a 15-month period with up to 22 tutorial sessions. The undergraduate tutors provide direct support and encouragement to a small group of pupils, and with their university departments, show that mathematics and engineering can be studied in an inclusive and welcoming environment. This can then help such students with navigating the university application process, with the aim of matching increased aspirations with increased attainment and confidence.

The programme aims to start recruiting SEMS undergraduate students to serve as tutors from December 2024. They will undergo dedicated training in February 2025, and then start delivering sessions in early spring from March 2025 next year.