Sheffield Hallam initiative for Black British students shortlisted for national award

The Times Higher Education Awards have shortlisted Sheffield Hallam University for its Widening Participation and Outreach Initiative of the Year 2025.

The university has been recognised for its Black British Pathway Programme (BBPP), which aims to increase its proportion of Black British students.

Since the the programme’s launch, their cohort is no 6.9% Black British – compared with 6% in 2023.

Professor David Shepherd, Sheffield Hallam University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “I’m delighted and proud that this truly innovative initiative has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education award.

“Through this programme, Sheffield Hallam has improved access for Black British students into higher education and appreciably enriched the diversity of the University.”

BBPP works with students from Year 12 onwards, supports prospective students through early access and visits, and has been co-created with existing students.

According to Sheffield Hallam, the programme has also resulted in a more positive view from prospective students – with 96% of polled  applications saying they would feel welcome at the university.

The other five universities in the running for the award are: Liverpool John Moores University, The Open University, the University of Greenwich, the University of Hertfordshire, and the University of Warwick.

The Times Higher Education Awards 2025 winner will be announced at a ceremony on 13th November.

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