Black and Minority Ethnic students are under-represented at UK universities

A report by the Russel Group in 2020 found gaps by social and geographical background as well as by ethnicity and disability in access to university, especially at selective universities. 

Young people from the most highly represented neighbourhoods were around five times more likely to be placed at a higher tariff university than those from the least represented neighbourhoods. The report outlined how financial concerns can create barriers to accessing university for disadvantaged students. Students’ university choices were restricted by living at a distance from a university campus, having poor transport links, or a lack of subject choice and advice at school.

Differences between under-represented and highly represented students were also found at university. The report cites a 13% gap at sector-level between the likelihood of white students and students from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds getting a first or upper second-class degree classification.

The report concluded that unless action is taken to address social, cultural, and economic barriers to accessing university, the Office for Students’ targets to remove gaps in access to selective universities will not be met.

To find out more or read the full report visit: https://pathwaysforpotential.russellgroup.ac.uk/