Exploring inequalities in access for ethnic minority students in doctoral studentships in the UK

Both home and international applicants who are interesting in pursuing research career can apply for doctoral studentships in the UK. These studentships are allocated through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) under seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. However, the percentage of ethnic minority students who are awarded studentships is low and they are less likely to receive research council funding when compared to white counterparts (William et al., 2019; UKRI 2021; Wakeling and Dias Lopes, 2022).

DTPs and CDTs are encouraged to ensure fairness and transparency in application processes, but specific guidelines have not been provided (NERC, 2021). DTPs are granted autonomy in choosing the 'right' candidate (NERC, 2023). Yet questions remain about how doctoral candidates are selected and what attributes are associated with excellence.

Application procedures of UKRI-funded Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) have been criticised for creating inequities and hindering diversity in recruiting talented students to PhD studies (UKCGE, 2021; Giles et al., 2020).

Therefore, this project explores doctoral admission processes in a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) DTP using a case study approach. It aims to investigate academics' perceptions of ideal PhD candidates through questionnaires. It also investigates shortlisting mechanism by examining applicants' written applications, CVs, evaluative scripts in shortlisting meetings and admission interviews through content analysis to identify the most (or the least) preferable PhD applicants.

Since doctoral provision in the UK is continuously carried out through DTPs and CDTs with goals of increasing representation of minoritised ethnic students and equity of access (UKRI, 2023b, 2023c), insights gained from the study will contribute to existing literature on doctoral recruitment and inequalities that surround access to doctoral funding. It will also assist in development of better future recruitment practices, widening participation policies and broader analyses of the UK doctoral admission system.

Given its goals align with NERC and ESRC's commitment in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to improve diversity and access to funding and support for under-represented groups, key stakeholders such as DTPs and CDTs at research councils, the collaborative partner Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) DTP, widening participation projects and organizations which strive to improve EDI policies and widen minoritised ethnic students' access to PhD research can also benefit from its results. In the long run, widening participation academic leads, EDI officers, scholarship providers, supervisors, directors, and board members at DTPs/CDTs will benefit as it will offer insights into development in equitable admission practices and evidence-based recommendations to support research student selection. Prospective students from underrepresented groups can also enjoy a fairer admission system.