BAME Attainment in Higher Education: Exploring the Experiences of Black Students of African Descent and the factors that Impact on their Low Grades at Northampton University

In recent years the success rates of different groups of students in HE, has come under considerable scrutiny. Gender and ethnicity were identified as key attributes for predicting differential achievement of ‘good degrees’. According to a report available on Universities UK (#CLOSINGTHEGAP) in 2019, there was an increase of more than 50% in the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic full-time undergraduates in the UK between 2007 and 2017, 71% of Asian students who graduated in 2017 achieved a first or a 2:1, and just 57% of black students compared to 81% of white students. Data shows that qualifications before attending university, are a key factor in degree outcomes, but it does not explain the differences between ethnic groups. There is also an issue with Black attainment at the University of Northampton and we have seen the award gap between white and black students increase year on year, faster than the overall sector. This project has examined the barriers impacting Black students’ attainment at the University of Northampton. The study has explored the experiences of students of African descent (Black British, African, Caribbean and other black) studying at the University of Northampton, while concentrating on the challenges they face, the coping strategies used at various stages of their studies and how the university could better support them on their journey to success. In this study, we interviewed 9 academics from various faculties and departments at the university, conducted 2 focus groups (focus group 1 had 4 academic staffs & focus group 2 had 5 academic staffs). Moreover, 2 other focus groups were conducted with students from various subject groups (focus group 1 had 4 students & Focus group 2 had 3 students).