Educating the Non-Traditional Learner: The Want, the Need, and the Demand for Inclusive Learning in the 21st Century

A BSA Early Career Regional Event

3 September 2026 (10:00-15:00 BST)
London School of Science and Technology, Aston Campus, Aston Business Village, B6 5RQ

About the Event

This BSA Early Career Regional Event, hosted by the London School of Science and Technology (LSST), explores the changing landscape of higher education and the growing importance of inclusive learning approaches for non-traditional learners in the 21st century.

Higher education continues to experience significant transformation due to widening participation, demographic changes, technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI), changing labour markets, and evolving expectations of learners. Non-traditional learners, such as mature students, first-generation university entrants, part-time learners, international students, working professionals, and students from underrepresented communities, are reshaping the social realities of higher education.

This event provides a platform for early career researchers, postgraduate students, educators, professionals, and practitioners to critically examine how sociology, education, technology, and institutional practices intersect in responding to the wants, needs, and demands of contemporary learners. The event aims to encourage interdisciplinary conversations around inclusive pedagogies, digital learning environments, artificial intelligence in education, student experience, employability, social mobility, and the future direction of higher education. The programme will include keynote contributions, research paper presentations, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to support knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional development among emerging scholars and education professionals.

Call for Papers

We welcome paper and poster submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Sociology of Education and Inclusive Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology and the Future of Learning
Pedagogies for the 21st Century
Employability, Skills Development and Graduate Futures

Successful participants will have the opportunity to share their research, receive feedback, engage in scholarly discussion, and build networks with researchers and practitioners interested in the future of inclusive education.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Interested presenters should submit an abstract of approximately 150 words outlining:

The research topic and key questions
The theoretical or methodological approach
Key findings or expected contribution
And maximum of five keywords

Submissions will be reviewed based on relevance to the event themes, originality, and contribution to discussions around inclusive learning and the future of education. All abstracts should be submitted to the organiser, Dr Michael Demehin, by 20 August 2026.

Key Dates

Abstract submission deadline: 20 August 2026
Decision communication: 24 August 2026
Registration open: 26 August 2026
Registration closed: 30 August 2026
Regional Symposium: 3 September 2026

Registration

This is an in-person only event that is free to attend, but registration is required. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration will open in due course.