Be More Empowered (BME) for Success PGR Programme

The University of Bristol recognises that the experience our students have during their studies has an impact on their success, both in their degree and in their future careers.

The BME for Success PGR programme plays a key role in influencing positive change for our home Black, Asian and minority ethnic postgraduate research students (PGRs). This initiative was developed in recognition of the unique challenges they navigate whilst undertaking postgraduate research degrees. 

A large part of the programme is co-created and delivered by a group of BME for Success PGR Advocates, who understand the challenges faced by home Black, Asian and minority ethnic postgraduate students and are in a position to gather meaningful input and reflect postgraduate research voices. 

The focus of the work carried out by our BME for Success PGR Advocates is on jointly developing an action plan around these working strands: 

  • “Access” to help support entry into postgraduate study 

  • “Belonging” to improve the postgraduate student experience 

  • “Empowerment” to build resilience and connections 

The team meet regularly to share experiences and ideas, as well as to develop skills and networks, supporting project communications where relevant, e.g., writing blogs and developing social media content. 
 
In addition, they take part in other related activities, such as promoting existing opportunities to students, and liaising with University staff to align activities with the Be More Empowered for Success programme’s wider objectives. 

Fostering equality, diversity and inclusion” is one of the Cross-cutting themes within The University of Bristol's 2030 strategy

The PGR advocate programme builds on an existing highly successful undergraduate programme led by colleagues within the Student Inclusion team.  

I am passionate about ensuring that Bristol's research space is as diverse and representative as possible. It is really important that we are not only encouraging diverse applicants to pursue a research degree at Bristol but that we are also creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

PGR Advocate Houda Al-Kateb (History PhD)

The most important thing about the programme for me is that everything is co-created. We're committed to the process of shaping an inclusive university environment and learning along the way.

Dr Myles-Jay Linton, Vice Chancellors Fellow

Impact Report

pilot_phase (PDF, 209kB)

Staff and PGR Intranet

Further information for current PGRs/Staff

Edit this page