The degree awarding gap, sometimes called the attainment gap, is the difference between the percentage of UK Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and White students who are awarded a first or 2:1 (good honours) degree. For 2021-22, the proportion of White students gaining a good honours degree across the Higher Education sector in England was 20% greater than for Black students. LJMU’s latest institutional awarding gap sits at 20.9%.

While this sector-wide problem is both difficult to address and largely unexplained, the Huddersfield Differential Attainment Project (HuDAP) has, since 2017, proven itself promising in reducing the awarding gap between White students and their Black and mixed-ethnicity peers.

Dr. Ruth Stoker and Dr. Jarek Bryk from the University of Huddersfield will provide an overview of how the project uses data in a highly targeted way to identify gaps, and how small changes in teaching and learning approaches can help students leverage the additional marks needed to bring them into the good hons. arena. They will share insights and discuss how the British Cycling approach of ‘marginal gains’ can eventually lead to sustainable and authentic elimination of awarding gaps.

This seminar is especially relevant and timely as English Higher Education Institutions begin the next Access and Participation Plan cycle, requiring a comprehensive understanding of institutional data and collaboration from staff across the student lifecycle.

To book this event, please click on the blue Begin Registration button below. Please use your LJMU email address when booking the event. After booking this event, the LibCal system will confirm your booking via email. You will have the option to insert this event into your calendar from within this confirmation email.