A conference paper presented at the Widening Participation Conference 2012 'Discourse of Inclusion in Higher Education' 24-25 April 2012, UK

1. Chantal Davies (University of Chester)

2. Introduction
 Background
 Research Description and Project Rationale
 Existing Research
 Methodology
 Findings
 Implications

3. Background
 Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 (N/B Equality
Act 2010)
 Small body of existing research (Osler, 1999; Connor et
al., 2004; Givens et al., 1999; Mai Sims, 2007; Jessop &
Williams, 2009)
 Higher Education Academy & Equalities Challenge
Unit recommendations, 2008

4. Research Description and Project
Rationale
 Exploration of experiences of BME students within the
research site
 Support and build on existing research
 Provide an evidential base for University diversity and
equality strategies in relation to:
 Student achievement;
 Retention and progression;
 Widening participation, marketing and recruitment;
 Student transitions to H.E.;
 Curriculum design and development

5. Existing Research
 Belonging and otherness (Read et al., 2003)
 Ethnic minority visibility in university staffing
(Connor et al, 2004)
 The student experience of racism (Givens & Bennett,
2004; Woolf, Cave, Greenhalgh & Dacre, 2008)
 Curriculum development and content (Bowl, 2001;
Givens et al., 1999)
 Stereotyping (Woolf et al., 2008; Connor et al., 2004;
Carter, Fenton & Modood, 1999)

6. Methodology
 Multi-layered, qualitative exploration of the experiences of
BME students at the research institution
 Emancipatory and participatory
 BME researcher/reflexivity
 Steering Group (Jessop & Williams, 2009)
 Focus Groups
 Semi Structured Interviews
 Sampling:
 Purposive sample;
 Undergraduate students across the research institution;
 Self certification.

7. Emerging Themes
 Belonging/Togetherness
 Institutional heterogeneity not a driver in choice of
university
 Objective benefits of ethnic diversity
 Transient and long term awareness of ‘white
demographic’
 Academic Experience
 Mainstreaming of ethnic diversity issues
 Awkwardness in discussing diversity issues linked to
ethnic identity
 Detachment from ethnic identity

8. Emerging Themes
 Student Experience
 Wider student experience (including extra curricula
activities, developing friendships, locality etc)
 Little impact on wider general experience
 Catering issues
 Differential Treatment
 Less favourable treatment due to ethnicity (including
racism)
 No perception of overt racism (note of caution)
 Modification of the behaviour of peers/staff due to
ethnicity

9. Emerging Themes
 Segregation
 Feelings of segregation and differentiation due to
targeted provision based on ethnicity
 Some objective benefits of targeted provision
 Detachment from linking to ethnic identity
 Early Education
 The ‘London’ perspective
 The ‘Local’ perspective
 Employability
 Impact on future employability

10. Some Implications for the Student
Experience and Academic Practice
 Managing student expectations of ethnic diversity from an
institutional perspective particularly in relation to
widening participation and marketing strategies
 Developing academic programmes of study based on
inclusive learning and teaching strategies
 Developing a greater understanding of institutional
responsibilities in relation to feelings of differentiation,
isolation and segregation
 Developing and implementing institutional local level
strategies for BME student achievement, retention and
progression
 Developing student engagement and transition strategies

11. References
 Carter, J., Fenton, S., & Modood, T. (1999). Ethnicity and Employment in Higher
Education. London: Policy Studies Institute.
 Connor, H., Tyers, C., Modood, T,. & Hillage, J,. (2004). A closer look at Higher Education
Minority Ethnic Students and Graduates (DFES Research Report RR 552). London:
HMSO.
 Givens, N., Almeida, D., Holden, C., & Taylor, B. (1999). Swimming with the tide: ethnic
minority experiences in initial teacher education. Multicultural Teaching, 17(2), 30-36.
 Givens, N., & Bennett, S. (2004). Tentative Progress in mainly white setting: hearing from
trainee teachers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Race Equality Teaching, 39-44.
 Higher Education Academy, & Equality Challenge Unit. (2008). Ethnicity, Gender and
Degree Attainment Project: Final Report. London: Author.
 Jessop, T., & Williams, A. (2009). Equivocal tales about identity, racism and the
curriculum. Teaching in Higher Education, 14(1), 95-106.
 Mai Sims, J. (2007). Not enough understanding? Student experiences of diversity in UK
universities. London: Runnymede Trust.
 Osler, A. (1999). The Educational Experiences and Career Aspirations of Black and Ethnic
Minority Undergraduates. Race Ethnicity and Education, 2(1), 39-58.
 Woolf, K., Cave, J., Greenhalgh, T., & Dacre, J. (2008). Ethnic stereotypes and the
underachievement of UK medical students from ethnic minorities: qualitative study.
British Medical Journal. 1220.

12. Contact Details
 Chantal Davies (chantal.davies@chester.ac.uk;
Telephone: 01244 512303)