University News Last updated 20 February
A social media campaign seeking to encourage students from Global Majority backgrounds to take up postgraduate research has been launched by Birmingham City University (BCU).
The project will use Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky to showcase the experiences and achievements of PhD students in a bid to break down barriers and increase representation.
“Our Global Majority postgraduate researchers are conducting groundbreaking research that tackles critical issues,” said Sarah Cooper, Professor of Interdisciplinary Research and Criminal Justice at BCU.
“They are integral contributors to our research community, and our future innovators, industry-leaders, and policy makers.
“This is an opportunity to showcase their talent and share their skills and experiences with potential doctoral candidates.”
The social media campaign is a key element of the That’s Me! project.
Funded by Research England and the Office for Students, the project is a collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton that aims to widen participation in postgraduate research, specifically focusing on UK domiciled students from Global Majority backgrounds.
‘Global Majority’ refers to individuals who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the Global South, or racialised as 'ethnic minorities'.
According to the Office for Students, some of the inequalities that are present for Black, Asian and minority ethnic undergraduate students – such as the degree outcomes gap of 22% (2018-19) between white students and Black students – are reflected in the underrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research students.
Dr Sulayman Bah, awarded his PhD by BCU in 2023, has high hopes for the That’s Me! project.
“I’m contributing my best to help the project achieve its goal to remove barriers,” he said.
“It’s targeting people like me – addressing our needs and aspirations.
“If people from the African British community see me on social media, it will show them the benefits of a PhD, the career pathways in place, and motivate them to consider applying.”
Abigail Shaw, a postgraduate researcher in criminology, said she was compelled to join the project after feeling labelled for being neurodiverse, a lone parent, and a mature student with a criminal record.
“The barriers we’re addressing align with my own experiences of isolation, imposter syndrome, and mental health,” she said.
“I joined That’s Me! because I want to be part of the change. The social campaign is the first step to tackling barriers, but it shouldn’t stop here.
“People experience barriers at every level of their academic journey. I hope this research is expanded nationwide or globally, and to all levels of study.”
Melisa Oleschuk, a postgraduate researcher in law, said she wanted to be part of the That’s Me! project to help break down barriers faced by students navigating immigration processes.
“Many people don’t understand what it’s like to be a student and go through the immigration process,” she said. “My grades were top, yet I was still pushing through walls to get things.
“The support and specialisms of my supervisors has made my PhD experience an incredible one, but not everyone is as privileged.
“Some people decided not to join the project because they’re disillusioned with the whole system. I have a voice in this project to change this in their name.”
Professor Marcia Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education at BCU, chairs the That’s Me! steering committee at the University.
“Creating knowledge for good is a key pillar of the University’s 2030 Strategy – and diversity is central to our research ambitions,” said Professor Wilson.
“Our Global Majority postgraduate researchers are an integral part the BCU community, and it’s wonderful to celebrate their achievements and attributes in this campaign.”