3. A Spatial Economic Perspective on Higher Education Choices

This chapter considers the spatial economics of higher education participation in Ireland, focussing on a range of spatial factors that impact the choices of school leavers. It employs cluster analysis and innovative data visualisation techniques to identify and illustrate important school-to-higher-education transition patterns. It also utilises GIS techniques to identify the extent of inequalities in geographic accessibility to higher education. The implications of these inequalities for higher education participation decisions are discussed with reference to a number of recent Irish studies that have considered the spatial economics of higher education participation. Particular attention is paid to the current restructuring of the higher education system in Ireland and to the student maintenance grant system.