Research News Last updated 27 April
More than 250 university students across the West Midlands have been involved with a research project to address inequalities faced by Global Majority communities in postgraduate research.
That’s Me! Eliminating barriers to postgraduate research study in the West Midlands has been successfully delivered by Birmingham City University (BCU) and the University of Wolverhampton over the past four years.
It’s part of a UKRI national programme to widen participation in postgraduate research.
According to the Office for Students, inequalities such as the degree outcomes gaps, are also reflected in the underrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research students.
The That’s Me! team have produced over 130 resources, hosted 39 events and engaged more than 250 students since 2022.
“It has been great to see That’s Me! make a meaningful impact across BCU by supporting one of our core enablers - people and culture,” said That’s Me! Project Manager, Amy Mckenize.
“Through the development of career and professional opportunities, as well as organising community events and open forums, we have created collaborative, inclusive, and safe spaces where doctoral students feel supported and empowered.”
One of the biggest achievements was the Getting Doctorate Ready programme within the ‘routes into’ doctoral study strand of the research project. The free, open-access programme was co-designed by staff and postgraduate researchers to demystify PhDs and offer practical guidance.
Researchers have also been supporting Global Majority postgraduate students through and out of doctoral study with reverse mentoring, networking events and professional Development Hubs.
One PhD student who has benefitted is Shameela Yoosuf Ali (pictured, right), who felt she could express herself and her identity through the programme.
“That’s Me! made academia less of a space that I had to carefully fit into, and more like a place where I could show up as myself.
“The encouragement, recognition, and opportunities have made me more confident, creative and open.
“It’s strengthened my passion for pursuing a PhD in an authentic way, wherein storytelling, creativity, and live experiences are central to my research.”
As the That’s Me! project closes, the team is now focused on sustaining its impact and a long-term sustainability plan to ensure the feedback and work can continue to benefit underrepresented students.
Programmes like the Open Access Educational Resource, which offers tools, insights and practical guidance for supporting Global Majority postgraduate researchers, will continue to be updated and made available.