The impact of social identity and cultural capital on different ethnic student groups at university

Abstract

This research examines the experience of students from different student groups in higher education in Britain, asking the following questions: Is there any effect of different ‘University Cultures’ on students’ experience of higher education? How do different groups of students understand the concept of ‘belonging’ and ‘identity’ within a University? Do different student groups have different expectations and experiences of higher education? The research will draw on a range of social theories such as Social Capital, Cosmopolitanisation, Identity and Belonging and Mobility, assessing their relevance to the experience of different ethnic students in higher education (HE). Three HE institutions will participate in this project; a large comprehensive University, a campus based old University and a specialist college. A variety of quantitative and qualitative methods will be employed to maximise the breadth and depth of information gathered. Data collection will include a large scale questionnaire, focus groups and educational life history interviews with students from three differing institutions. Outcomes will inform the national debate about degree outcomes for different student groups and satisfaction levels between some student groups