Chantal Davies and Caroline Chappell (University of
Chester)
Introduction
 Background
 Research Description and Project Rationale
 Existing Research
 Methodology
 Findings
 Implications
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
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
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)
Methodology
 Multi-layered, qualitative exploration of the experiences of
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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.
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
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
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
Some Implications for the Student
Experience and Academic Practice
 Managing student expectations of ethnic diversity from an
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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
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.
Contact Details
 Chantal Davies (chantal.davies@chester.ac.uk;
Telephone: 01244 512303)
 Dr Matthew Garrett (m.garrett@chester.ac.uk;
Telephone: 01244 512304)