Postgraduate Perspectives: Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

The Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS) is seeking registrations of interest from postgraduate researchers in Scotland to take part in forum-based focus groups on Social, giving fresh perspectives on widening access to PhD funding.

These focus groups are part of a larger research project currently being undertaken by SGSSS which will contribute to policy recommendations that meets our commitments to: facilitating the widest possible applicant pool into doctoral study; and, valuing the diversity of our population through minimising any potential barriers to participation.

The focus groups will take place in a text-based discussion board format on social. Participants will be placed within groups of 10 and will be given broad topics on which to respond, as well as more specific questions targeted towards the key issues we have identified so far. Respondents will be encouraged to reply to each others posts and the discussion pointers will include themes of decolonisation, representation, professional development and more.

We are particularly interested in hearing the perspectives of those PGRs that are from underrepresented groups or have taken unconventional paths towards a PhD. Such groups would include disabled, care-experienced, BAME, and first generation scholars (though this list is in no way exhaustive)

If you wish to take part, please register your interest by filling in the form below

Register interest

Name*
First Last
Email*
Pathway*
Funding Status*
Year of PhD Study*
Are you a first generation scholar? That is, the first generation of your family to access any form of higher education.*
- Yes
- No
Do you identify with another group(s) that is currently underrepresented in postgraduate research?
- Yes
- No
Please indicate which group(s):
In order to take part in the focus group you will have to consent to the terms below. It is vital that you read these terms carefully and then tick this box to indicate your consent:*
I agree to the terms outlined below
You have read the information on the SGSSS website related to the Postgraduate Perspectives focus group and understand the aims of the project

You are aware of the general topics that will be discussed in the focus group

You agree to the focus groups taking place on social, in private discussion boards that will only be accessible to the participants and the researcher

You are fully aware that the details displayed on your social profile may result in your identity being discernible to other participants and the researcher

You agree not to share information about the other participant’s identities outside of the closed group

You agree to be respectful of other participants and to report any concerning behaviour to the researcher or their mentor at SGSSS immediately

You are aware that the contact details for the researcher and their mentor at SGSSS will be made available to participants before any activity in the focus group begins

You are fully aware that you are not obliged to answer any question, but that you do so of your own free will

You consent to your answers being quoted in an anonymised form as part of the policy recommendation document that will be produced from this body of research