This is us
The University of Bradford is one of the most socially inclusive universities in the UK and celebrates both the differences and similarities in our many communities.
We welcome, support and dedicate ourselves to the success of our students whatever their background, identity, beliefs or challenges. We see individuals and their potential and work hard to remove the barriers to their success.
We ensure our students are able to make a positive impact on the world, equipped to tackle major global challenges through their experiences and education at Bradford.
Opportunity for all is what defines us.
Number one for social mobility
We were named 1st in England for impact on social mobility for the third year running (Higher Education Policy Institute's English Social Mobility Index 2023).
This new league table recognises universities' impact on changing students' social status relative to their current social location and takes into account factors such as income, health outcomes and crime rates for regions within the country.
See also: University of Bradford ranked #1 in country for improving students' life chances.
Social mobility pledge
The University of Bradford was one of the early signatories for the Social Mobility Pledge, an initiative co-founded by the Former Education Secretary Justine Greening.
As a signatory, we are committed to working to increase access to higher education and career opportunities, and ensuring that these opportunities are available to people irrespective of their background and/or lack of connections.
As part of the pledge, the University was awarded Opportunity Anchor status at a virtual event which took place in November 2020. As an Opportunity Anchor we will be working in partnership with stakeholders including the local authority and local businesses and health organisations, to improve educational and employment opportunities for young people.
"I am delighted that Bradford is at the forefront of this environment, social and corporate governance agenda. Publishing this action plan today sends out a clear signal that The University of Bradford is raising the standard of corporate ESG and I look forward to working closely with them in the important months ahead for our country.
“I hope many more universities will follow Bradford's lead and consider how they can go further, faster to make Britain a high skilled, high knowledge economy.”
Justine Greening, Former Education Secretary
University of the Year: Social Mobility Awards 2024
The Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) crowned Bradford 2024's University of the Year in recognition of our projects designed to increase social mobility.
"We are delighted to receive the award which emphasises the University’s vision of a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity where people want to, and can, make a difference."
Professor Udy Archibong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
University of Bradford wins national social mobility award
This is where I
...was the first in my family
I’m the first in my entire family to go to university. I finished college at 19 and worked as a cleaner in schools - I was completely and utterly miserable.
I thought 'I’ve got the qualifications, I’m going to go to university'. My family didn’t want me to because they didn’t understand how student loans work. I showed them I was serious. I got a first in every subject - I completely smashed it. I told them I’d applied to study abroad in Japan for a year; I thought they’d say no, but they didn’t, they were very supportive.
To see the change in my parents means the world if I’m being perfectly honest.
This is where I
...found my voice
I’ve been brought up in a single-parent family so I’ve seen the struggles of my own mother and I’ve also seen other experiences of the women around me and the female students on campus. I was Women's and Campaigns Officer last year, so I really understand the deep issues that women are facing.
I’m pushing for women to actually enter leadership roles. This is by the formation of a committee that I’ve created this year. It's for women to lead and do activities and other events that they’d like to do. It’s all based around female students participating in leadership roles and empowering themselves.
This is where we
...worked together
When we started we were thinking 'should we do it at the same time?' and we were second guessing it constantly. Some family members said 'maybe you should do it after him, don’t do it at the same time as it’s going to be too hard', but we just stuck with it. And then before you know it, you’re both here graduating with first-class degrees...
It didn’t feel like it was family and university separately, it felt like it was family and university together. It worked really well.
This is where I
...grew
Growing up as an only child and living with my grandparents had been different from conventional family life, but it has given me experience that I may not have found elsewhere.
At University I have learned many things and met different people, which has really helped me grow into the person I am today and helped me choose certain pathways.
I volunteered to be a care leaver mentor to use the experience I have to help students from traditional and non-traditional backgrounds overcome obstacles - to give a helping hand.
Join us at an Open Day
Come and find out what we're all about at an undergraduate or postgraduate Open Day.
