Janice Lozano
Cambridge University has a long history of black students, with the first black student for whom full university records exist being Alexander Crummell, who enrolled at Queens' College in 1849. In recent years, the university has seen a record number of black students, with the number of UK-based black undergraduates more than tripling in three years. This is partly due to the university's proactive campaign work and that of its students, including members of the African-Caribbean Society (ACS). The increase has also been attributed to the Stormzy effect, with the grime artist funding scholarships for two black students per year since 2018.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of black undergraduates in 2019-2020 | 200 |
| Number of black undergraduates in 2020-2021 | 300 |
| Percentage of black undergraduates in 2020-2021 | 4.6% |
| Number of black undergraduates in 2021-2022 | 137 |
| Percentage of black undergraduates in 2021-2022 | 3.4% |
| Percentage of UK undergraduates from BAME backgrounds in 2020 | 29.3% |
| Number of black students admitted in 2021 | 50% more than in 2020 |
| Number of black students admitted in 2019 | 18 courses admitted fewer than 3 black students |
| Percentage of black applicants accepted in 2019 | 15.1% |
| Average acceptance rate across all ethnic groups in 2019 | 21.4% |
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What You'll Learn
Record number of Black UK undergraduates
The University of Cambridge has seen a record number of Black UK undergraduates in recent years. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the overall number of Black undergraduate students stood at more than 200, and in the following year, this number rose to over 300. This represents a more than 50% increase and brings the proportion of Black students at Cambridge to 3.4%, reflecting wider UK society.
This increase has been attributed to several factors, including the proactive campaign work of the University and its students. The 'Get In' social media campaign, presented by YouTube influencer Courtney Daniella, aimed to overturn perceptions about what Cambridge is like. The University's African-Caribbean Society (ACS) has also been actively involved in access work, with members volunteering as mentors for younger students. The "Stormzy effect" is another likely factor, with the award-winning grime artist launching a scholarship for two Black students per year in 2018, encouraging more Black students to apply.
Despite this progress, Cambridge has been criticised for its under-representation of Black and Minority Ethnic communities and wider structural issues of racial inequality. The University acknowledges the need to ensure that all students, regardless of their ethnic background, feel welcomed and supported once admitted.
The increase in Black UK undergraduates at Cambridge is a significant step forward, reflecting the hard work of individuals, organisations, and institutions to encourage and support Black students in pursuing their academic ambitions.
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Increase in Black students applying
The University of Cambridge has seen a record number of Black British undergraduates in recent years. In the 2019-20 academic year, the number of Black undergraduate students was over 200, and in the following year, that number rose to over 300. This represents a more than 50% increase and is the largest intake of Black students at Cambridge. The proportion of Black students has risen above 3% (3.4%), reflecting wider UK society.
This increase has been attributed to several factors, including the proactive campaign work of the University and its students. The 'Get In' social media campaign, presented by YouTube influencer Courtney Daniella, aimed to overturn perceptions about what Cambridge is like. The University's African-Caribbean Society (ACS) has also been actively involved in access work, with members volunteering as mentors for younger students. The Society's president, Sharon Mehari, welcomed the increase in Black students, stating that it is a testament to the passion of individuals and institutions in creating a welcoming and empowering space.
Another factor contributing to the rise in Black student applications is the "Stormzy effect". The award-winning grime artist launched a scholarship in 2018 to fund tuition fees and living costs for two Black students annually. Stormzy's high-profile support and generosity have encouraged more Black students to apply to Cambridge and engage in its outreach activities.
The University has also been working collaboratively with Black students to identify innovative ways to close the awarding gap between Black and white students. Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Virgo acknowledged the hard work and ambition of the students and commended the University's efforts in reaching out to potential applicants. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that Cambridge is a welcoming place for all students, regardless of their ethnic background.
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'Get In' social media campaign
Get In Social Media Campaign
The University of Cambridge launched the 'Get In' social media campaign to encourage more applications from students of underrepresented backgrounds. The campaign specifically targets students from the UK's Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, as well as black students. The campaign aims to address untrue assumptions and misconceptions about the university that might put students off applying.
The campaign features a series of short films presented by YouTube influencer and Cambridge graduate Courtney Daniella. Daniella, who comes from a single-parent family in North London, struggled to believe that she could get into Cambridge due to her background. In the films, she addresses popular misconceptions about the university, offers tips on how to make a successful application, and shares the experiences of current undergraduates from underrepresented communities.
The second phase of the campaign, launched in 2020, features footage shot by Cambridge undergraduates from the same communities the videos are aimed at. These films discuss issues important to prospective students, such as what kinds of food are available in colleges and whether students can wear headscarves. The campaign also includes virtual open days, giving students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about Cambridge.
The 'Get In' campaign is part of a wider effort by the University of Cambridge to increase diversity and ensure that all students feel welcomed and supported. In recent years, the university has seen a record number of UK-based black undergraduates taking up their place at Cambridge, with the number more than tripling in just three years. This progress is a result of the hard work of the university, its students, and partners to encourage more applications from underrepresented groups.
The 'Get In' social media campaign is an important initiative that helps to break down barriers and increase access to higher education for underrepresented students. By addressing misconceptions and providing information and role models, the campaign empowers students from diverse backgrounds to see themselves at Cambridge and take the first step in the application process.
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Black students' experiences at Cambridge
Despite this progress, Black students remain underrepresented at Cambridge, and the university has faced criticism for wider structural issues of racial inequality. In 2017, only 9.1% of those admitted to the university identified as Black or mixed-race. Black students at Cambridge have spoken about their experiences of imposter syndrome, questioning whether they belong, and feeling like they are ticking a diversity box. Some have felt pressure to conform to Cambridge expectations and have experienced a sense of being the "black subject of intrigue".
However, there are also positive experiences. The African Caribbean Society (ACS) has been instrumental in creating a welcoming and empowering space for Black students, helping them understand themselves better. The university has shown a willingness to discuss issues and work towards positive change. Outreach campaigns, such as the 'Get In Cambridge' campaign, have aimed to encourage more Black students to apply and challenge misconceptions about the university.
Notable Black alumni of Cambridge include:
- Alexander Crummell, the first Black student with full university records, who enrolled at Queens' College in 1849 and graduated in 1853.
- Gloria Carpenter (later Cumper), the first Black woman to matriculate at the university, studying law at Girton College and gaining her LLB in 1945.
- Njabulo Ndebele, a South African writer and academic who gained an MA from Churchill College in 1975.
- Diane Abbott, a Labour politician who studied history at Newnham College in the early 1970s.
- Kwasi Kwarteng, a Conservative politician who studied classics and history at Trinity College in the 1990s.
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Notable Black alumni
The University of Cambridge has a long history of educating students from the African continent and the African diaspora. The university has seen a steady increase in the number of Black students admitted in recent years, with the 2019-2020 academic year recording more than 200 Black undergraduates. The following academic year, 2020-2021, witnessed a significant jump, with over 300 Black British undergraduates enrolled at Cambridge, representing a more than 50% increase. This trend reflects the university's efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive community.
While the exact number of Black alumni is not readily available, Cambridge has produced numerous notable Black graduates who have made significant contributions to various fields. Here are some prominent Black alumni of the University of Cambridge:
- Alexander Crummell (1849-1853, Queens' College): Crummell, the son of a freed slave, was an Episcopal preacher and abolitionist pamphleteer from New York City. He was the first Black student with full university records, enduring racist heckling at his graduation but also receiving support from fellow students.
- Edward A. Laing (1961-1966, Queens' College): Laing, a jurist and diplomat from Belize, studied law at Cambridge. He went on to have a distinguished career in diplomacy and law.
- Diane Abbott (Early 1970s, Newnham College): A Labour politician and the first Black woman to be elected to the British Parliament, Abbott studied history at Cambridge. She has had a prominent political career, serving as a member of Parliament since 1987 and holding various positions within the Labour Party.
- Kwasi Kwarteng (1990s, Trinity College): Kwarteng, a Conservative politician, studied classics and history at Cambridge. He has served as a member of Parliament and held several ministerial positions in the UK government.
- Helen Oyeyemi (2001-2004, Corpus Christi College): Oyeyemi is a renowned novelist who studied at Cambridge. She has published several acclaimed books, including "The Icarus Girl" and "Boy, Snow, Bird."
- Lola Adesioye (2001-2004, Robinson College): Adesioye is a writer and journalist who graduated from Cambridge with a degree in Social and Political Sciences. She has contributed to various publications and authored the book "Frontline Kenya: Conflict, Humanitarian Crises and Forced Migration."
- George Bridgetower (Early 1800s, Trinity Hall): Bridgetower, an Afro-Polish violinist, studied music at Cambridge and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1811. He was a contemporary of Ludwig van Beethoven and a composition by Bridgetower was played during the installation of the Duke of Gloucester as University Chancellor in 1811.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the notable Black alumni of the University of Cambridge. Their achievements and impact span various disciplines, and they serve as an inspiration to current and future Black students at the university.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 2019-20 academic year, there were more than 200 black undergraduates at Cambridge University, making up 3.4% of the student population.
In 2020, 29.3% of UK undergraduates admitted to Cambridge University were from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Cambridge University has been working to promote itself to groups of young people who may not have previously considered applying. The university has also launched outreach campaigns, including the 'Get In Cambridge' social media campaign, to overturn perceptions about what Cambridge is like.
Cambridge University has welcomed a record number of black students in recent years. In 2021, the number of black students starting at the university rose by more than 50% compared to the previous year.
