How can a university presence help peripheral and disadvantaged places? The potentials and challenges for universities’ civic mission through branch or distributed campuses

Universities increasingly seek to demonstrate their role as 'civic' institutions and links with their localities, promoted in the UK through Civic University Agreements with local partners. However, this agenda has neglected the multi-locational nature of many higher education institutions, and the presence of branch or
distributed campuses often in peripheral or disadvantaged regions. While these campuses are frequently justified as drivers of regional development, there is little evidence on their tangible impacts, or the specific challenges and opportunities they face in fostering civic engagement. This project critically examines UK
universities' domestic branch campuses in their contribution to the socio-economic development of their localities, drawing on qualitative case studies - using policy analysis, in-depth interviews, and collaborative knowledge exchange with policymakers, universities and regional partners. The research will identify
actionable evidence-based recommendations to inform both policy and institutional practices, enhancing the potential of branch campuses to maximize local development outcomes.