Black students are significantly underrepresented in postgraduate studies
To address the significant underrepresentation of Black students in postgraduate research and develop a more inclusive pipeline for future academics and University leaders, we are launching a new funding opportunity for UK Black or mixed Black heritage applicants to study at PhD level. To celebrate Black History Month this October, we are kicking off our drive to fund a Black postgraduate student's place at Brunel for the autumn of 2023.
Less than 2% of funded PhDs go to Black students
Across the sector, the pipeline between undergraduate and post-graduate research for Black British students is broken. At undergraduate level, nearly 6% of students are Black or mixed Black heritage, however just 1.2% of nearly 20,000 PhDs funded between 2016 and 2018 went to Black students. The growth in numbers since then has been so small that it would take a century to see participation in postgraduate research reach the same as undergraduate level.
Please join us in supporting the next generation of Black scholars
Right now, less than 3% of UK Professors are Black. We need your help to fund the next generation of Black scholars who will make a difference. We are taking the first step now, and in 2023, we will continue our drive to raise a further £20,000 to make a full PhD research programme a more accessible opportunity for a Black scholar at Brunel.
£5,000 of support from Brunel University London and Santander Universities
For Black History Month, Brunel University London and Santander Universities have pledged the first £5,000 towards this scholarship. This fundraising opportunity will be open throughout October 2022 and as part of our Brunel Giving Day plans in 2023.
This October, we have a packed programme of events to celebrate Black History Month at Brunel and bring together people from all backgrounds to celebrate and learn about black history, culture, and successes. Please join us both online and on campus to celebrate Black History!