Why Diversity Matters to the Student Population

01/11/2021

The term diversity is one that we are hearing more and more and rightly so. Diversity matters is as multifaceted as the people who it applies to. Cultural diversity in universities is of particular importance and is something that many universities choose to highlight as part of their continuing mission or even as a selling point to potential students.

You might be wondering why diversity matters in higher education, the workplace and online generally. The simple answer is that diversity matters because it allows a wide variety of diverse people to come together in one place, sharing not only their current education but bringing to the table their own unique backgrounds and different opinions and feelings. Through this, everyone can learn better.

University is no longer just for the rich. A significant proportion of the student population includes those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. Now more than ever too, those people who are looking to make a career change later in life are returning to university to get the necessary qualifications to make this happen. All these factors help add to the diversity for the university community and the student experience as a whole.

What is Diversity?

Diversity is so much more than just race or ethnicity. Diversity encompasses such things as sexual identity, sexual orientation, gender, cultural background, political affiliations, income level, religious beliefs, disabilities, and even age.

And this diversity matters everywhere because the greater the “melting pot” of diverse people you have the better it can be. Diversity is beneficial when it comes to finding a solution, having discussions, or simply understanding other people’s viewpoints. This is true whether it is in a higher education setting, the workplace or in everyday life.

What do Students Look For?

Many students will have grown up in communities where there is cultural diversity. Different nationalities, religions and ethnicities in the classroom are no longer something unusual; they are the norm. Cultural diversity in universities is just as important, if not more so. Students who are looking to come to the UK to complete their education will feel more comfortable in a university where cultural diversity exists, and when this is combined with a community where there is cultural diversity then this is even better. This is why diversity matters in higher education.

Everyone deserves the chance to enter higher education if they have the capability and to feel comfortable doing so regardless of their background, race, sexual orientation, or any of the other things that create such a wonderfully diverse community.

Diversity at the University of Bolton

At the University of Bolton, we have a diverse student body, with many international students joining us from all over the world and bringing a rich cultural experience to the university. We are fortunate that Bolton itself is part of the incredibly diverse Greater Manchester and are passionate about the pursuit of diversity amongst our student and staff population. Whether you’re joining us from overseas or from the local area, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that is open, friendly and inviting. In fact, we’ve ranked 1st in the North West and in the Top 5 across England and Wales for Social Inclusion for the second year running.*

We believe that it is important that your university experience is #UniAsItShouldBe which is why we monitor and evaluate how we are delivering on diversity and equality across the university. We offer diversity training to our employees and actively promote diversity at the university through events like our celebrating diversity day.

If you would like to learn more about diversity at the University of Bolton or any of our courses, we would be delighted to talk to you. Our team of friendly advisors can be contacted on +44 (0)1204 900 600, or you can send us a message at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk and we’ll be delighted to respond.

* The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide - 2022, 2021

 

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