The role of careers work in addressing the awarding gap for Black students: reflecting on the experiences of students at one post-1992 university in England

This study explores the experiences of a group of Black students in a post-1992 university in England within the context of the persistent gap in awards achieved by Black students in relation to White students. An initial survey of 728 students was followed up by qualitative interviews with a smaller sample. Although the factors behind this gap in degree awards are multifactorial and complex, this work challenges common assumptions of the cause and explores an experience gap for Black students including relationships with academic staff and fellow students. Results from the survey and semi-structured interviews point to the role that careers practice might play in enabling students to thrive at university and highlight cultural changes needed including the cultural preparedness of tutors and careers practitioners.