A photograph of an event at the students' union with a vinyl banner across the mezzanine floor reading 'antisemitism is never okay'

Student of Colour Ambassadors


Discover how these ambassadors support and uplift students of colour across UEA.

At uea(su) we’re working with the university to tackle the degree awarding gap and other issues which affect students of colour.


What is the degree awarding gap?

In the UK in 2019-20, there was a 9.9% 'gap’ between the likelihood of white students and students of colour getting a 1st or a 2:1 degree classification. Some factors that contribute to the degree awarding gap include:

  • Institutional culture 
  • A lack of ethnic diversity among role models and staff 
  • A lack of inclusive content, design and delivery 
  • Not feeling a sense of belonging 

We believe this is wrong and we're making it a priority to work with UEA to address it. It is vital that students of colour voices are not only heard but listened to. Our paid Students of Colour Ambassador scheme recruit students of colour to ensure the lived experiences are at the centre of efforts to close the degree awarding gap. 

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact soca@uea.ac.uk.

Getting involved

Interested in getting involved? We're recruiting! At uea(su) we’re working with UEA to tackle the degree awarding gap that continues to affect students from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We are looking to recruit paid Students of Colour Ambassadors, to make sure that the lived experience of students of colour is at the centre of efforts to close the degree awarding gap.

This role is exclusively for students at UEA, and will add invaluable experience to your CV. Key areas where you'll gain experience include:

  • Project management in an equality and equity sector
  • Championing the voices of students from minority ethnic groups
  • Collaborative working with the university to conduct research
  • Development, promotion and delivery of events
  • Attending regular uea(su), school and university level meetings

If this sounds like the kind of challenge you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you!


What does a Students of Colour Ambassador do? 

Working hours: Up to six hours per week during term time. 

Students of Colour Ambassadors will work on projects which are decided by the academic school, however there is the opportunity to shape the projects that are being worked on. This role is focused on students of colour, so it is important that the Students of Colour Ambassadors work with students and staff. The Student of Colour Ambassador role is varied and will help you gain a range of transferable skills for future employment, some of the duties carried out are: 

  • Undertaking research 
  • Attending meetings 
  • Public speaking 
  • Creating and organising events 
  • Creating publicity (including the use of social media) 
  • And other tasks. 

This role is supported by the Student Voice and Communities Coordinator (Students of Colour) on the Union side, who will provide training and general support. The School Lead on the University side will work with the Ambassador on projects and offer support. 


What's on?

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