Close the Gap
Close the Gap aimed to transform doctoral student selection to develop a socially and epistemically just and inclusive environment for research.
Eight departments – two in each of four divisions in the University of Oxford (Humanities; Medical Sciences; Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; and Social Sciences) – took part in Close the Gap.
The ‘Close the Gap’ project was an equal partnership between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It was one of thirteen projects to improve access to doctoral study for UK Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, which were partially funded by the Office for Students and Research England.
Close the Gap developed and tested new disciplinary-specific, race-literate, fair selection processes that were designed to bring about meaningful change in postgraduate research and doctoral candidate selection. In particular, it worked to address the underrepresentation of Black British, British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani students in postgraduate research in the UK overall and in all major discipline groups at doctoral level in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
More information on Close the Gap
What initiatives did we take?
Working with external partners and collaborators Blueprint for All, CRAC, Rare Recruitment and Leading Routes, Close the Gap trialled a number of initiatives in some of the participating departments. These included:
Improving applicant and supervisor guidelines and information
This initiative aimed to improve transparency in the application process, by improving guidelines for applicants and supervisors on contacting supervisors at the pre-application stage, and what to expect.
Improving the design and use of assessment and selection criteria: this initiative reviewed assessment and selection criteria with the aim of better assessing research potential, and has developed guidelines and support materials on assessing applications from applicants with non-traditional academic or work trajectories, or from diverse backgrounds.
Using socio-economic data in the assessment and selection process
The University currently collects socio-economic data from candidates who apply for graduate study. Where provided by candidates, this information is used for research purposes, to understand the demographics of those applying and of those who are offered places. This data is also used by the courses taking part in this initiative to better understand the context of an applicant’s achievements and the challenges that they might have faced in their education to date. This data may be used at several stages in the assessment and selection process.
Coaching and support
All departmental staff involved in implementing interventions are being supported through technical briefings, for example, on how to use contextual data, as well as wider coaching to support change management and specific aspects of assessment (eg interviewing).
Courses participating in Close the Gap
This list will continue to be updated as courses are opened to accept applications. Please check back regularly for updates.
Developing a strategic admissions framework
Close the Gap also contributed to the development of a strategic admissions framework to embed its work and that of all other widening participation initiatives at the level of the University. Through fair and just postgraduate taught and research admissions and recruitment processes, the University of Oxford aims to contribute to a more plural, diverse, and, hence, richer research and teaching environment.