Supporting inclusive continuing and higher education

General information about higher education

Information for specific groups

Learners from minority ethnic groups

Refugees & asylum seekers

Disabled learners

Learners with specific learning difficulties

Learners with mental health problems

Learners from rural & coastal areas

Vocational learners

Young offenders & ex-offenders

Young people in care

Ethnicity and Religion

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) vary in their ethnic and religious diversity, largely depending on their location. Universities and colleges in large cities (especially those in London) tend to be more diverse than those in more rural areas. All have a duty to encourage equity, diversity and tolerance, and to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against people of different cultures, different ethnicities, and of different faiths or of none.

HEIs are generally secular institutions (some, like York St John University or Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln, were Church foundations and still have a more Christian ethic, but are far from exclusively Christian).

Before applying you would be advised to check that the HEIs you are interested in will be able to adapt timetabling to fit with your religious observances and festivals, and that there are facilities available for these when required. It is also worth checking that they can (and will) be able to meet your dietary requirements, and that you will be comfortable following any dress codes in that environment.

Most, if not all, Students’ Unions have officers responsible for support for black and minority ethnic students, and you may want to contact them for information about the universities and the locations you are considering.

You may also want to contact the Students' Union to see if there are specific groups and activities available for you, and if there are others promoting integration and understanding. Traditionally most Student Union social life is centred on the bar, so you may want to check what alternatives are available.

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