Race and ethnicity
We are proud to be a progressive and inclusive university and we stand wholeheartedly in opposition to racism. We are firmly committed to sustaining a highly effective learning and working environment characterised by fairness, equality of opportunity and the valuing of diversity.
Networks and societies
Ethnic Minorities Network
The Ethnic Minorities Network is a community of students who meet up for social events and organise campaigns aimed at improving the university experience for students of ethnic minorities.
Culture and faith societies
NTSU has several student-led groups that champion diversity, unity and culture through events that educate, reflect and empower.
Societies include:
- African Caribbean Society
- Islamic Society
- City and Clifton Christian Unions
- Arab Society
- Sikh Society
- Romanian Society
- Oriental Society
- Jewish Society.
Events and opportunities
Black Leadership Programme
This programme is designed to empower second-year undergraduate students of black heritage to gain confidence and become resilient leaders through a series of interactive events and community-building activities. In collaboration with the Students' Union, this fantastic opportunity helps students to gain skills and stand out to employers after graduation.
Black History Month
Black History Month (BHM) is an annual celebration held in October to highlight the successes and achievements of the Black community. We are proud to support Black History Month each year and host commemorative events and activities that are open to our students and staff. Previous events include workshops, talks from influential guest speakers, podcasts, and more.
Black Futures
Black history experience is not limited to one month each year and our Black Futures programme is a continuation of the work that goes into celebrating and reflecting on black culture. This is a year-round programme of events, campaigns, and resources to help create a more equal future for everyone.
Islamophobia Awareness Month
Every November, NTU hosts a range of events and activities for Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) to challenge stereotypes and to celebrate the positive contributions made by Islam and Muslim communities to society. Previous events include a series of talks, book clubs, art exhibitions, and more.
South Asian Heritage Month
Running from 18 July to 17 August every year, the South Asian Heritage Month seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, as well as the intertwined histories of the UK and South Asian communities and the presence of these cultures throughout the UK.
Celebrating Black Excellence
The School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment’s Celebrating Black Excellence series aims to explore the systemic and societal issues behind racial inequality and the attainment gap, and to build a network beyond NTU. The events feature an inspiring panel of speakers including industry experts, alumni, current students and staff.
The Race Equality Charter (REC)
The charter is designed to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic students and staff in higher education. NTU is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is fully committed to tackling race inequality.
NTU have earned a REC Bronze award, which required the University to create a four-year action plan. Alongside this, we are looking into Race Equality Action Plans, which cover the below key objectives:
- becoming an anti-racist institution
- improving the representation of ethnicities underrepresented at NTU
- enabling minority ethnicities within NTU’s community of students and colleagues to engage and influence NTU in order to strengthen a sense of belonging
- embedding mechanisms that support a culture of organisational listening to sustain an open and ongoing dialogue for continuous learning
- decolonialising the curriculum.
NTU offers a platform for students from all walks of life to not only develop and refine their knowledge and skills, but also to showcase their unique cultural identity in an inclusive, diverse environment.
Chee Hang Lo, MSc Real Estate
Support in Nottingham
Nottingham prides itself on being a diverse and welcoming city. There are several groups, networks, and events held across Nottingham and the wider county for our BAME community to find support and empowerment. These include:
- Cultural events - there are several poetry open mic nights, comedy gigs and inspiring talks held throughout the year which focus on empowering BAME communities in Nottingham. Keep an eye on the Visit Nottinghamshire and EventBrite website for upcoming events.
- Mojatu Foundation - this organisation helps to tackle discrimination and offers a range of support services to local BAME communities. They also produce a magazine and radio station aimed at empowerment and representation through sharing inspiring stories.
- BAME climate champions - a platform that helps diverse voices to be heard and share their concerns about the environment.
- Nottingham Equal - this organisation hosts a range of support services for local BAME communities, aiming to widen participation and representation of both visible and non-visible groups.