Take part in our Focus Groups aimed at improving the experiences of Black Students at Middlesex University. Click here to sign-up for a Focus Group and recieve £20 for taking part, or complete the survey for a chance to win £100 (scroll down for the survey). 

The experience of Black students in Higher Education has been consistently overlooked. There have been increased awareness calls to make structural change in institutions from across the country. This issue was brought to the fore again with the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the prevalent incident in June 2020. Work continues to ensure that institutions go beyond reading list and seek solutions that are innovative and imaginative and that which holistically support Black students at MDX.

MDXSU has received funding from the University to support its research into the Black Students’ Experience at Middlesex. The role of our part- time research interns, taken up by Black students studying at Middlesex, are supported by the Advocacy and Policy Team at MDXSU. The aim of the project is to understand the different facets that form the Black Student Experience at MDX. 

MDXSU hope to complete this research project by May 2021 with a report and set of recommendations. We hope to have the work presented to the University and to make it public to the MDX student community.

The experiences of our interns (Mary Ojo & Josephine Mintah) and why they urge you to take part in the Focus Groups & Survey:

“This research project is a welcomed, and long overdue endeavour. These sentiments are shared among students that participate in our focus groups. Consequently, conducting this research is exciting and at times, cumbersome. This juxtaposition reflects the journey ahead, we have uncovered experiences, uplifted students with safe spaces fostered in our focus groups. However, there is an underlying consensus among participants; there needs to be more, and this is only the beginning.

The initial stages of our research highlighted sector wide issues relating to the Black Student Experience in the UK, noticeably Middlesex is missing from this canon, therefore the importance of this investigation cannot be overstated. Notwithstanding, it is clear from our secondary research there is an opportunity for Middlesex to lead in this field, it is a diverse institution with a predominantly BAME student population. The conclusions and outcomes of this research project could serve as best practice at universities across the UK. This is the zeal that we carry as we conduct this work, one where change is possible for students at Middlesex University and across the country.

A striking observation that continues to resurface in our primary source gathering, is the need for more safe spaces for black students. Our focus groups not only offer a rich source of data, but an environment that is encouraging and empowering. I look forward to continuing this project, it has been a pleasure so far. The team at Middlesex University Students’ Union are dedicated to this work, that alone provides the reassurance needed to continue this journey” – Mary Ojo

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“To understand one’s experience, we first need to understand and find out what are the root causes of these experiences. Exploring literature about how Universities have taken steps to decolonise their curriculum and institutions has allowed me to see how much more work needs to be done. As a black student myself, I didn’t realise that elements of the education system such as the curriculum were hindering the quality of my education. This research has given me a new perspective when approaching my own studies.

This research is vital for ensuring institutions are accommodating for Black and ethnic minorities, from what is in the curricula to the pedagogy. This is foundational piece of work that will support further investigation into decolonising the curriculum. The focus groups have provided insight into the overall experience of black students at Middlesex, which are diverse but united” – Josephine Mintah

Sign up for a Focus Group and recieve £20 to thank you for taking part

OR complete the survey for a chance to win 1 of 3 £100 prize draws. 

Click here to sign-up for a Focus Group

Complete the survey below, or Click Here