Initiative aims to attract more Black uni students
The University of Bath has launched a new programme to increase the number of Black students.
Together with Rare, a graduate recruitment company, the university has launched a scheme called Target Bath, aimed at helping students of Black African and Caribbean heritage gain places at the University of Bath.
The programme is currently accepting applications of Year 12 students to fill 50 spaces.
It will support the students through Year 12 and 13 providing insight into life at Bath as a Black student and is Rare’s first partnership with a UK university following the successful Target Oxbridge scheme - which got 200 students offers at Cambridge and Oxford.
Participants will hear from Black British students studying at the University of Bath, and will receive oneto-one support with their university applications
Professor Ian White, vice-chancellor and president of the University of, Bath, said: “I am delighted that we are launching the Target Bath scheme in partnership with Rare.”
He continued: “This important initiative will increase representation of Black British students and widen participation at one of the UK’S top universities, but also offer gifted students from an under-represented group support to achieve their potential. I am looking forward to seeing the first students take part in the scheme and eventually welcoming the first cohort to study here with us at Bath.”
Students on the programme will receive one-to-one support from the team at Rare, the diversity specialist with a track record of improving the representation of Black British students at the UK’S top universities.
Rare will help the students to choose the degree course that is best for them, to prepare for their UCAS application and to write their personal statement.
The University of Bath, which is funding the programme, will provide Target Bath students with access to role models in the form of
Black British students studying at the UK top 10 ranked University.
Students will receive advice on applying to the university from its outreach and admissions teams, as well as the chance to experience academic sessions with tutors from the University of Bath. Participants will also benefit from Bath’s experience in offering internships and placements, and students participating in the programme will be in part selected based on their interest in incorporating placements into their undergraduate experience.
Target Bath students will also be offered a place on Discover Bath, the free summer residential programme run by the university, either in-person if Covid-19 restrictions allow, or online. The programme will launch online, providing students with webinars and online group mentoring sessions.
Students will also be able to join an online community of Target Bath students to share their interests, questions and thoughts about university.
Naomi Kellman, Rare’s senior manager for schools and universities, said: “It is brilliant to be able to expand this work further and to have the opportunity to showcase all that Bath has to offer to the students we work with.
“I hope to see an increase in the number of Black British students studying at the University of Bath over the coming years.”
If Covid-19 restrictions are loosened in the summer, Target Bath students will take part in a visit to the University of Bath to meet with their mentors in person and explore the campus and city. All travel expenses will be paid.
To be eligible for the programme, students must be in Year 12 and of Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other heritage (including mixed race students).
Students will have achieved 5 or more GCSES at grades 9, 8, 7 or 6 and will be academically able to study at Bath in their chosen subject.
Priority will be given to students who meet the University of Bath’s widening participation criteria, such as having a home address in an area of low progression to Higher Education, or high levels of deprivation.
Applications are open until Sunday 14 February 2021.