Black in UK Higher Education

This blog explores the structural inequalities and challenges that hinder Black students and academic talent in UK higher education.

Black Students in UK Higher Education

In the 2020/2021 academic year, around 16% of Black students aged 16-18 achieved at least three A grades at A-levels, significantly enhancing their chances of securing places at top institutions, such as those within the Russell Group.

According to the latest UCAS data, in 2022, over 43,000 individuals from Black ethnic groups in England were accepted into full-time undergraduate courses across the UK. This included 34,500 Black African students, 6,700 Black Caribbean students, and 2,100 students from other Black backgrounds. Additionally, 9,000 students from mixed Black and White backgrounds were also accepted. The 2022 figure set a new record for Black students entering higher education. However, while 51% of Black 18-year-olds entered higher education in 2022, only 9% secured places at higher-tariff institutions, marking the lowest rate among all ethnic groups.

In terms of degree outcomes, a significant disparity exists: 36.1% of White students were awarded a first-class degree, compared to just 17.3% of Black students—the highest and lowest rates, respectively, among all ethnic groups. Despite some improvements, with the proportion of Black students obtaining a first or upper second-class degree rising from 50.8% to 62.7% between 2014 and 2022, the gap persists. In contrast, 83.7% of White students achieved similar outcomes in 2022, highlighting the ongoing disparity in academic achievement.

Black Academics and Senior Leadership

Black academics remain significantly underrepresented in the UK higher education workforce. As of 2021/22, 79.6% of academic staff were White, while only 2.9% were Black. Career progression for Black academics is fraught with barriers. While only 3% of Black academic staff achieve professorship, It is essential to recognise that while promotion opportunities in academia are limited for all, the barriers to progression are particularly challenging for Black academics. Many academic staff, regardless of ethnicity, remain stuck at the senior lecturer level for decades. This stagnation is not due to a lack of talent but rather the limited availability of professorial roles, which restricts opportunities for career advancement. Academics often take on additional responsibilities, such as module leader or course coordinator, but these added duties seldom lead to significant career progression and primarily increase their workloads without tangible promotion benefits.

Black academics face even greater challenges due to institutional biases in how promotions are allocated, leaving them disproportionately stuck in mid-level roles. As a result, many are forced to abandon their aspirations for career advancement, either leaving the sector or settling for positions that underutilise their potential. Others are steered into diversity and inclusion (D&I) roles, which can provide access to senior leadership positions. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this transition, it often detracts from their academic field and expertise. The presence of these "glass ceiling" barriers not only limits individual growth but also deprives academia of the diverse contributions essential for intellectual development and innovation.

The number Black professors increased by 27%, reaching a total of 210. However, this group still represents just 1% of all professors. The lack of Black leadership is stark: of the 159 higher education institutions in the UK, there are only a few Black leaders, including Lord Simon Woolley, Principal of Homerton College, and Baroness Valerie Amos, who led SOAS University. Additionally, Professor David Mba is vice-chancellor (Birmingham City University) and Professor Charles Egbu was appointed the first Black vice-chancellor in the UK at Leeds Trinity University in 2020.

Black Students and PhD-Level Research

The Royal Society's analysis of ethnicity within science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects in the UK highlights the challenges Black individuals face in research. Black students are more likely to drop out of research programmes, with 6.5% doing so compared to 3.8% of White students. For those who remain, only 3.5% go on to become professors, compared to nearly 12% of White students. Black people represent just 1.7% of research staff, despite constituting 3.4% of the UK population.

Research funding also presents significant barriers for Black academics. Between 2016 and 2019, out of almost 20,000 PhDs awarded, only 245 were awarded to Black or Black mixed-race students, with just 30 awarded to individuals from Black Caribbean backgrounds. In 2021-22, the number of Black principal investigators (PIs) applying for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding halved, and only 6% of Black applicants successfully secured funding, compared to 31% of White applicants.

Additionally, Black academics who do secure research funding receive substantially less than their White counterparts. On average, Black PIs were awarded £186,000, compared to £381,000 for White PIs. This disparity in access to critical research resources limits the ability of Black academics to advance their research and careers.

Pay Disparity and Workplace Culture

Black professors earn an average of £7,000 less than their White colleagues, with the average salary for a Black professor being £76,610 compared to £82,665 for White professors. Across the academic workforce, the pay gap between White and Black staff is 14%, further reflecting the devaluation of Black academic contributions.

These challenges are compounded by a hostile workplace environment. Many Black academics report experiencing bullying and harassment from senior management and colleagues. According to the University and College Union (UCU), Black staff who speak out against this mistreatment often face further victimisation, making it even more difficult to succeed in higher education. This toxic culture not only pushes Black academics out of the profession but also silences their voices, depriving universities of new ideas and intellectual growth.

The Way Forward

The future of Black academic talent in UK higher education depends on whether institutions are willing to address these systemic barriers. It is no longer enough to pay lip service to diversity and inclusion. Universities must actively work to dismantle the structural inequalities that prevent Black academics from advancing and leading in their fields. While recommendations are meaningful change requires universities to act with intent and commitment.

Addressing promotion pathways, pay disparities, improving access to research funding, and creating inclusive environments are essential steps to ensuring that Black academics can thrive. The UK higher education sector cannot afford to lose another generation of Black scholars to exclusion and underrepresentation. True progress will only be achieved when Black contributions are recognised and valued on an equal footing with their White peers. The future of innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence depends on whether UK universities are ready to make this change.

References:

1. Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2022/23. HESA.

Available at: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/products/higher-education-student-statistics-uk-202223

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58795079

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59307390

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jcxv2k

https://blackacademia.co.uk/news-events/black-academia-launch/

2. UCAS Data and Analysis, 2022. UCAS.

Available at: https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis

https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis

3. Equality in Higher Education: Statistical Reports 2023. Advance HE.

Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/race-equality-uk-higher-education

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9023/

https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/education-skills-and-training/higher-education/entry-rates-into-higher-education/latest/

https://blackequityorg.com/black-education-in-britain/

4. UCU Race Pay Gap Report 2023. UCU.

Available at: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/11695/Race-pay-gaps

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46473269

https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/11695/Race-pay-gaps

5. UKRI Funding Statistics 2022. UKRI.

Available at: https://www.ukri.org/research/funding-statistics

6. Royal Society Diversity in Science. Available at: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/diversity-in-science

https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/diversity-in-science