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I was surprised that Derek Leslie cites nursing in bemoaning the lack of "lower-tier courses that appeal to women" ("Bias cheats women of places", THES , January 17).

While there is virtually no foundation degree or higher national diploma provision for nursing, recruitment is mainly via a diploma in higher education. Moving nursing into higher education has been an important part of widening participation.

Liz Meerabeau
Head of the School of Health and Social Care
University of Greenwich