The MA Black Humanities is a unique interdisciplinary MA that offers the opportunity to study Black Humanities through critical engagement with the histories, philosophies, languages, literatures and arts relating to local and global African and African Diaspora communities. It is delivered by members of the Centre for Black Humanities, an international research hub with over 35 academic staff members, based in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Bristol.

Over the next four years the Scholarship programme will annually pay the fees for two Black and mixed-Black heritage teachers to undertake the MA Black Humanities on a full- or part-time basis. The first scholarships will be awarded in April 2021, with studies commencing from September 2021. The deadline for applications is 17 March 2021. More details and full terms are here.

University of Bristol's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community

Professor Judith Squires, Provost, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: "I am thrilled to be launching this new Black Bristol Scholarships Programme. We are determined to create a diverse and inclusive university community and recognise that positive support is needed to address the historical under-representation of Black and Black-heritage students in particular."

"Thanks to the support of our alumni and friends, I am confident that together with our other initiatives to support our Black students and to decolonise the curriculum, this will help to make our University a truly inclusive environment for everyone."

Decolonising the curriculum

By creating these new Scholarships, the University of Bristol hopes to provide the opportunity for teachers to undertake continued professional development and benefit from world-leading research being undertaken by staff at the University. This is an important step towards addressing the BAME attainment gap within the UK education system. It will enable teachers to cascade their new knowledge into the school system, building on important local initiatives such as One Bristol Curriculum, CARGO Classroom, and the work of the Global Majority Teachers Network; and national initiatives including BAMEed and The Black Curriculum.

This provides a unique opportunity to join up conversations about ‘decolonising the curriculum’ in schools and universities. Benefits for teachers include: building the knowledge and confidence to introduce or expand issues of race and the legacies of Empire in the curriculum; the potential career advancements that come with having a postgraduate qualification, leading to taking up leadership roles in schools and sharing learning with other educators; the aspirational role models this sets up for BAME students in schools; the enhanced knowledge of the HE sector that teachers can pass on to students, thus supporting them more effectively in their applications to University.

The scholarship scheme directly works towards addressing and resolving structural issues of social injustice, ongoing racial inequalities (further highlighted by the disproportionate effect of Covid-19 on BAME populations), and institutional racism.

"The new scholarship opportunities will enable teachers with a keen passion for learning to develop their personal and professional subject knowledge. It is evident that the study of black history done in a meaningful, interesting and thought provoking way in the mainstream educational sector has been of great desire for a long time. This course will give BAME members the opportunity to be reflective, insightful and truly develop their practise. Thus, enhancing their own educational experience, whilst providing a deeper analytical look at their own schools delivery of anti-racist teaching, professional development and colleague relations. It is fantastic that Bristol University want to spearhead change. Knowledge is power and imparting that knowledge is essential." Cashan Campbell, Assistant Principal (Fairfield High School, Bristol)

"This new opportunity to study for an MA in Black Studies feels like a watershed moment. As an inner city school Principal and teacher, I recognise that this programme addresses a major imbalance in the history of cultural studies. The inception of this programme is timely, given the global issues concerning black people and our culture in 2020. It is of no surprise that it is happening right here in Bristol, a city with a vibrant and well established black culture." Vanetta Spence, Headteacher (May Park Primary School, Bristol)

"Access to CPD opportunities, especially those that offers a recognised qualification, is a recurrent issue shared by members of the Global Majority Teachers Network who often feel disadvantaged. I am delighted that the University of Bristol is helping to address this challenge through these fully funded scholarships. These scholarships will benefit not only the teachers but equally the learners, the schools and wider communities." Dr Marie-Annick Gournet, Chair of the Global Majority Teachers Network