Equity in Doctoral Education through Partnership and Innovation (EDEPI)

EDEPI is one of 13 Research England and Office for Students funded programmes, created to tackle persistent inequalities that create barriers to access and participation in doctoral education for racially minoritised groups.

The EDEPI programme is divided into three distinct work packages targeting recruitment, admissions and transition as critical points of systemic inequality, through sector-leading initiatives delivered at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Why is the EDEPI programme needed?

The United Kingdom is a world-leading provider of doctoral programmes, yet the demographic of PhD researchers is far from a true reflection of our diverse population. Doctoral education in the UK is struggling to create genuine equity, and individuals from racially minoritised groups continue to face significant barriers to accessing doctoral-level degrees. As a result, crucial voices aren't heard: without equity in doctoral research, we lack the potential for real innovation and for research that breaks the mould to facilitate real social change.

Work package one (WP1): Rethinking our approach to postgraduate researcher recruitment

Working with NHS partners across Nottingham, Sheffield and Liverpool, WP1 involves the delivery of workshops to de-mystify PhD study, and support NHS staff from racially minoritised groups through the process of applying for a part-time PhD.

Work package two (WP2): Reforming admissions practices that create barriers to entry

Working with the UK Council for Graduate Education, WP2 involves the development of a competency-based admissions framework which seeks to tackle inequality at scale by shifting the focus to the competencies required to successfully undertake PGR study, rather than the reliance on measurable academic track record and previous awarding institution.

Work package three (WP3): Creating a more inclusive research culture

WP3 delivers a series of workshops to support the creation of a more inclusive research culture, and positively impact on the retention, progression, and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers from racially minoritised groups.

Meet the EDEPI team

The EDEPI Delivery Executive is an action-oriented group comprising colleagues from each partner institution. The overall purpose of the Delivery Executive is to support the operational delivery of the EDEPI programme.