Listening to the voices of minoritised ethnic postgraduate researchers in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Racism and inequity remain high in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), thwarting minoritized ethnic postgraduate researchers’ prospects. This study aimed to understand the experiences of this group of students and produce participants-led recommendations. Fifteen participants (home and overseas) were interviewed, and the data were analysed using reflexive inductive thematic analysis. The analysis generated four themes: disempowerment, systemic deficits, weathering and from surviving to thriving. The results suggest that HE environments remain White spaces, dominated by White norms and systems that disempower minoritized ethnic postgraduate researchers. Female and international doctoral students were particularly disadvantaged. Participants’ recommendations to HEIs centred on HEIs offering proactive support and creating culturally sensitive environments. The cultural shift within HEIs needs to go beyond superficial policies and tackle racism and forms of oppression if lasting and profound change is to occur. In turn, this will foster a positive experience for all students.